Multiplexes may not release Fanaa

Mumbai: The Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanaa has run into more rough weather.

After problems in Gujarat, there is now a war brewing between the film's producer-distributors Yashraj Films and the Multiplex Association of India following demands from Yashraj Films for a higher share in ticket prices.

In Gujarat, the BJP has threatened to disrupt screenings of the film if cinemas release it on Friday.

This, says the BJP, is in retaliation to actor Aamir Khan and director Kunal Kohli's comments against Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the Narmada Dam issue and the Vadodara riots.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, several representatives of the Multiplex Association of India met with the Yashraj Board of Directors to negotiate on the matter.

While some multiplex owners have said they will release Fanaa come what may, others are adamant that they will not meet Yashraj Films' demands.

"Single screens are releasing it but we are not because we could not find a solution to our problems with Yashraj Films," said Niranjan Prakash of Fun Cinemas.

"Delhi multiplexes are releasing the movie. They are going against the multiplex associations, so things are a little here and there," said Manoj Desai of G7 Multiplex.

Although they rue the fact that the film's no-show in Gujarat will cost them anything between Rs two to three crore in the first week of its release, Yashraj Films is determined they will not arrive at a compromise on the multiplex issue.

The film's director Kunal Kohli says they are confident that the film will draw in crowds even if screened only in single-screen cinemas across the country.

Multiplex owners, both who will and won't screen Fanaa on Friday , are upset that Yashraj Films is using muscle-power to bully them.

Yashraj will distribute three star-studded films close on the heels of Fanaa: the Hrithik Roshan-starrer Krrish, Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Dhoom 2.

Meanwhile, multiplex owners are aware that any stand they may take against Fanaa will definitely cost them these big films.

Will they will stick to their ground and fight till the end, or succumb to the pressure?

The answer will be out on Friday.

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