It is less than 24 hours remaining until the release of Stree 2, Vedaa, and Khel Khel Mein, booking for single-screen theaters has yet to open. The trade and exhibition sectors are not surprised by this pattern, as clashes often lead to delays. However, this situation is unique due to the presence of three major films competing for attention at the box office. Excitement for Stree 2 is particularly high, with minimal inquiries regarding the other two films.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the distributors of Stree 2 have requested that all shows in single-screen theaters be dedicated to their film, citing strong advance bookings in multiplexes as the rationale. However, single-screen exhibitors are reluctant to comply with this demand. One exhibitor remarked, “It appears that Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa will only get one show each, while Stree 2 will dominate with three or four shows. The challenge now is deciding which show to allocate to Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa. They naturally want prime slots, and this situation is becoming complicated. We hope to resolve it today.”
A frustrated single-screen theater owner expressed his concerns, saying, “Why do three films have to release on the same day? We’re struggling with programming. While I’d prefer to show Stree 2 all day due to demand, it would upset the other distributors. Why should we always be caught in the middle?” He added, “It feels like Akshay Kumar and John Abraham are overshadowing Rajkummar Rao.”
Currently, many single-screen theaters have begun booking paid previews for Stree 2, scheduled for August 14. Mumbai’s iconic Gaiety-Galaxy cinema complex opened bookings for Stree 2 in Gaiety and for Vedaa in Galaxy. However, after suspending Stree 2 bookings on August 12, they resumed on August 13, raising questions.
The issue extends to two-screen theaters, where one screen is typically reserved for Stree 2, with the remainder split between Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein. An official noted that Vedaa’s team is pushing for three shows, citing better advance sales compared to Khel Khel Mein.
Even multiplexes with three screens are facing hurdles. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia, who runs The Friday Cinema multiplex in Surat, stated, “I’ve allocated eight shows to Stree 2, four to Vedaa, and three to Khel Khel Mein, while temporarily halting bookings for Double iSmart. If the distributors are satisfied with the current allocations, I’ll resume bookings for Double iSmart; otherwise, it may be pulled from my cinema.”
