Pushpa 2 Shakes Up Bollywood's Theater War: Allu Arjun's Blockbuster Dictates Terms Between "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and "Singham Again"
The upcoming Bollywood clash between "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and "Singham Again" on November 1st has escalated into a full-fledged theater war, with both films vying for maximum screen space. However, an unexpected player has entered the fray, turning the tide in favor of one film: Allu Arjun's "Pushpa 2."
Pushpa 2's Influence: A Free Cutout for Favorable Screen Share
"Pushpa 2" distributor Anil Thadani, who is also responsible for "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3," has employed an intriguing strategy to secure advantageous screen allocation for the Bollywood film. He is offering exhibitors a free 30-foot cutout of Allu Arjun from "Pushpa 2" to be displayed outside their theaters if they agree to allocate equal or more screens to "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3."
This unprecedented move underscores the immense pull of "Pushpa 2" and its potential to influence even the most high-profile Bollywood releases. Exhibitors, who typically bear the cost of cutouts and standees, are finding this offer hard to resist.
Beyond the Theater War: Copyright Disputes and More
The rivalry between "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and "Singham Again" extends beyond the theater battle. The "Singham Again" title track, composed by Ravi Basrur of "KGF" fame, utilized the original "Singham" theme tune for the first 15 seconds. This led to a copyright strike from T-Series, the producers of "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3," resulting in the song's temporary removal from YouTube.
Despite these setbacks, a compromise has been reached regarding screen allocation, with both films securing an equal number of screens. However, trade reports suggest "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" may have a slight edge.
The Power of Pushpa 2
The remarkable influence of "Pushpa 2" on this Bollywood showdown demonstrates the film's massive reach and its ability to impact the release strategies of even established franchises like "Singham." The film's immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding its sequel have created a buzz that extends beyond regional borders, influencing the dynamics of the Indian film industry as a whole.