As both Thamma starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa prepare to release on October 21, controversy has erupted regarding screen allocation. The distribution for both films is handled by PVR INOX, but the makers of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat have alleged that their film is not getting fair treatment in cinemas.
Advance Booking Dispute and Screen Allocation
Reports suggest that Thamma secured more screens and showtimes in advance bookings compared to Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, which reportedly has fewer options across multiplexes. Typically, multiplexes open advance bookings with one screen per property for about four days, but PVR INOX is said to have made an exception in favor of Thamma—a move that sparked allegations of favoritism.
Producer of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Speaks Out
Anshul Garg, producer at Desi Movie Factory, expressed disappointment to India Today:
“In an era where streaming platforms dominate financing, we chose the theatrical route. Despite delivering four commercially successful songs and a promising film, it’s regrettable that Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat isn’t receiving equitable consideration in cinemas.”He added, “The film industry thrives on dreams and passion—values we cherish deeply. Any attempt to restrict our film’s reach is unfair. We hope for a fair chance and rational judgment.
“In an era where streaming platforms dominate financing, we chose the theatrical route. Despite delivering four commercially successful songs and a promising film, it’s regrettable that Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat isn’t receiving equitable consideration in cinemas.”He added, “The film industry thrives on dreams and passion—values we cherish deeply. Any attempt to restrict our film’s reach is unfair. We hope for a fair chance and rational judgment.
“PVR INOX’s Official Response
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Inox Pictures, denied the allegations, stating, “It’s not true at all.” He clarified that PVR INOX is distributing Thamma in only a few territories, with most distribution handled directly by Maddock Films. Gianchandani emphasized, “We are treating both films purely on merit regarding their showcasing and look forward to both succeeding at the box office.”
About the Films
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, directed by Milap Zaveri, stars Harshvardhan Rane as Vikramaditya and Sonam Bajwa as Adaa Randhawa, centering on their love story.
- Thamma, produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, follows Ayushmann Khurrana’s character Alok, a Delhi-based journalist who stumbles into a mysterious vampire world, meeting Rashmika Mandanna’s Tadaka and a fearsome vampire played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film also features Paresh Rawal.
As the release date approaches, audiences await both films, while the debate over screen space highlights ongoing challenges in Indian cinema’s distribution landscape.
