Jun 04, 2026 2:30pm IST
‘Bandar’ Showcasing on Hold in National Multiplex Chains Amid Screen Allocation Dispute
It’s a hectic week at the box office with three films - “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai” (HJHTIH), “Peddi” and “Bandar” - seeking screen space. The makers of “Bandar” are unhappy with the screens allocated to them. The showcasing of the Bobby Deol-starrer, directed by Anurag Kashyap, which releases on June 5, has been put on hold until a resolution is reached.
“Bandar” opted for a targeted, audience-oriented release strategy. The makers had requested four shows in five-screen multiplexes and three shows in four-screen multiplexes, largely in post-1 pm slots, believing this would best serve the film’s target audience.
However, with PVR and Cinepolis distributing “HJHTIH” and “Peddi” being partly distributed by PVR, the “Bandar” team feels the film has not been showcased fairly by the national chains. The dispute comes at a time when the Hindi version of “Peddi” has opened to a lukewarm response and “HJHTIH” is reportedly seeing modest advance bookings.
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Speaking to Variety India, Girish Johar of Zee Studios explains the reasoning behind the film’s release strategy and the dispute thereof. He says, “Along with the producers, we had decided on a particular release strategy, because we know the film, what the target audience is, we had a specific release plan in mind with specific cities and cinema right down to the show slots. We have requested that the multiplexes to provide only those; we don’t need more. And it’s a fair ask. We’re not saying give us 10 shows. As per the requirement, we are asking for three shows at certain places, four or five at others, and even one at single screens.”
He adds, “We hope that the chains will adhere to our request. They have been doing that in the past. It is not that our film has not been promoted well. Bandar has been tracking well - Bobby Deol is coming after Animal, and the songs have also been liked. We really hope that this gets resolved very soon, and we all focus on the business of the box office.”
Clarifying what “putting the program on hold” means, Johar says the issue revolves around show timings rather than the number of screens. He explains, “Suppose we are given a morning show, that’s not what we want. Morning shows are mostly for younger teens or college-going kids. You have to cater to the target audience. So, all we are requesting for are the right slots.”
Asked what the team considers appropriate timings, Johar states, “Fortunately for us, the duration of the film is not long. It’s just around two hours and fifteen minutes. We’re requesting shows at any time, possibly after 1 pm. Obviously, these are flexible based on demand and supply. So that’s it, we’re just asking for a particular slot in specific cinemas.”
Discussions with exhibitors continue, shares Girish Johar. “Talks are happening. It’s not that it’s off the table. They have considered our request and have come on board a little bit. But we would want to be a little more focused and specific. I hope that this gets resolved during the day.”
When asked whether the film’s release could proceed without the desired terms for showcasing, Johar indicates that the producers are prepared to be selective. “The producers are very clear that if they are not content with what plans they want, they are comfortable with releasing the film in cinemas in which they are given the right slots.”
Expressing confidence in the film, he concludes, “It has been getting great reviews. The team is confident of the film.”
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