Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Chennai Express’ and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai’ will not make it to Pakistan
Pakistan blacks out Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar
Image Courtesy: Chennai Express Facebook Page
Shahrukh Khan’s “Chennai Express” and Akshay Kumar’s “Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai- 2,” slated for an Eid release will not make it to Pakistan, resulting a loss of around Rs. 20 crores. Apparently, the Pakistani filmmakers want four of their films being released during that time to get more visibility than the Indian movies.
Times of India quotes Abdul Rashid, the leading distributor in Pakistan who said, “Yes, we are not releasing Chennai Express and Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai – 2 in Pakistan. Our government wants to protect the interests of the Pakistan film fraternity.”
He also added, “We don’t mind rescheduling the two films to August 15. But piracy would have reduced the business prospects of the two films by then.”
“We cannot overrule our government’s decision,” he added.
Pakistan has been a huge market when it comes to Bollywood releases. Commenting on the issue, Tanuj Garg- CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures told The Indian Express, “Though we have not yet received any official notification from the Pakistani authorities, if this is true, it will surely be really sad. In fact I feel that this is really amazing and bizarre that an industry that thrives on Bollywood films can take such a decision. If you look at the Pakistani market there has been a revival, thanks to Bollywood films. But all the same, if we do receive a notification, we will need to discuss this matter, since you cannot just blackout any film for your indigenous cinema, though you have all the right to revive it through better means.”
Trade analyst and film critic, Taran Adarsh states that it’s too early to say anything, until an official confirmation from Pakistan is received.
