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29 March 2024

Salman Khan steps back; Akshay, Shah Rukh to battle it out

(AFP/REUTERS)

Published
By Staff

For the past few years Bollywood has been celebrating Eid with a Salman Khan blockbuster. But this year it's going to be another Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan will release his movie 'Chennai Express' on Eid.

There was a flurry of reports about a Salman - Shah Rukh clash this Eid. But the 'Dabangg' actor, who has just completed his first schedule of 'Mental' in Dubai won't have a release in the festive season.

As Salman backs out from the Box Office battle, the turf is now open for Akshay Kumar.

The 'khiladi' will release his movie 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai -2' on August 8 along side SRK's 'Chennai Express'.

It's not going to be an easy battle for Akshay, not because he is pitted against Shah Rukh but the producer UTV of 'Chennai Express' has decided to employ the some rouge tactic to see that SRK's movie has a houseful.

According to an Indian daily, UTV is applying a similar tactic as Yash Raj Films allegedly did last year with 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'.

Just as YRF attempted to monopolise theatres against Ajay Devgn's 'Son Of Sardaar', UTV is doing the same with 'Chennai Express' against 'Once Upon a Time...

UTV has sounded out single-screen theatre owners that if they want to buy 'Himmatwala', which is releasing on March 27, and is essentially a single-screen film, they will have to devote all four shows to 'Chennai Express' as well during Eid.

This will ensure total sell out for SRK's 'Chennai Express' and slaughter of Akshay's 'Once Upon A Time...' with limited screens.

It seems UTV wants to kill the prospects of 'Once Upon A Time....by taking hold of maximum number of exhibitors.

Last year when a similar scene was played with Ajay Devgn's 'Son Of Sardaar', the actor filed a case to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) saying YRF had violated competition rules. Allegedly they offered Salman's 'Ek Tha Tiger' only on condition of screening 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. CCI had dismissed Devgn’s complaint.

Looks like with each movie Shah Rukh Khan is piling on the number of enemies than fan followings.

SRK's enmity with Salman is legendary in Bollywood, the two loves to hate each other. Shah Rukh never shared great rapport with Ajay Devgn and after last year's screen row is it unlikely they will be friends ever.

Let's see if 'Chennai Express' and 'Once Upon a Time  in Mumbai -2' clash gives birth to another series of star wars- this time between Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan.

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