Back to Back releases cause a stir at the box office

NIDA DAR

KARACHI: Actors John Abraham and Anil Kapoor are facing a strange problem. Their films
“Shootout at Wadala” and “Race 2” are scheduled to release one after the other.

At a time when most Bollywood big-shots avoid a direct clash at the box office, Anil Kapoor and John Abraham's two new films are set to release within a week of each other next January.

Now, the two actors are trying to convince Producers Ekta Kapoor and Ramesh Taurani to keep at least a three-week gap between releases.

Taurani however, is said to be not willing to relent. "I announced the release of my film a long time back. Shootout producers have just declared their date. They should be taking a call," he said.

And though the filmmaker fears that a gap of just one week may affect the business of both,
he bravely added, "The two ventures are totally different. Mine is a thriller and stars
Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan as well. So, I am not really worried."

And though, Ekta has been sounded off by the actors, no decision has been taken regarding
the release of her film either.

But the film’s promotions may pose a problem, says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

"These days, for film publicity, actors don't just have to give a hundred interviews but also travel to various cities. With two films releasing back to back, there is bound to be a clash of dates. And this will be unfair to both producers," concluded Adarsh.