Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan starrer Thugs Of Hindostan, which was reportedly made on a budget of over Rs 300 crore, proved to be a box-office debacle ever since it hit the theatres on November 8. Having collected only Rs 145 crore over its 11-day run, the exhibitors have lost more than 50 per cent of their investment in the Yash Raj Films (YRF) entertainer. And now we hear that they are planning to approach the production house for compensation.
A leading daily quoted an exhibitor, on the condition of anonymity, as saying, "As is the practice with YRF, the studio had taken on the distribution responsibilities. The exhibitors agreed to the minimum-guarantee deal as they expected handsome profits from the big-budget film, but the tables have turned. So, we are planning to approach the sub-distributors [YRF] to get a refund," further adding, "We hope YRF, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan will help us in this situation, else there is a possibility of a few theatres having to even shut down."
A still from Thugs Of Hindostan.
Although the film opened across 5,000 screens in India and crossed the Rs 100-crore mark in three days, Thugs of Hindostan failed to create an impact in the second week owing to bad reviews from all corners. Trade analyst Akshaye Rathi also pointed out, "While the production house is not legally bound to refund the money, I believe they should do it on moral grounds. Considering YRF is a reputed producer, I am hopeful they will take a decision that will be in the best interest of the exhibitors."
Reportedly, the exhibitors are likely to meet studio officials this week and if YRF will offer a compensation or not, is still left to be seen.
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