Dhamaal 4 Aims for One of the Widest Releases; Distributors Demand Massive Showcasing Across India !
The battle for screens has officially begun with Dhamaal 4 all set to hit cinemas on July 10, distributors have gone aggressive with their showcasing strategy, demanding one of the biggest releases of the year. As per the showcasing mail sent to exhibitors, the comedy entertainer is expected to enjoy extensive showcasing across single screens as well as multiplexes.
According to the mail accessed by CineInfinity, single-screen cinemas have been asked to allocate all their shows to Dhamaal 4. In 2-screen multiplexes, the distributor has demanded 8 shows, with only one morning show before 12 PM and at least two night shows. Three-screen cinemas have been asked to provide 12 shows, with two night shows being compulsory. The showcasing requirements become even bigger for larger multiplexes. Four-screen properties have been asked to schedule 16 shows, including three night shows. Five-screen cinemas are expected to play 20 shows, while multiplexes with six screens or more have been instructed to allot 24 shows to the film.
Another important instruction states that no show should be scheduled before 9:00 AM. Exhibitors have also been asked to confirm their showcasing plans via email before opening advance bookings.
A source told CineInfinity, “Dhamaal is one of Bollywood's most successful comedy franchises with a loyal family audience. The distributor is aiming for a massive nationwide release to ensure the film reaches the maximum number of viewers from day one. That's why the showcasing demands are quite aggressive.”
Dhamaal 4 has been carrying strong expectations ever since it was announced. The trailer received a highly positive response from audiences and generated significant excitement across the trade and social media. While the songs couldn't match the same level of buzz as the trailer, the overall excitement for the film remains solid, thanks to the immense popularity of the Dhamaal franchise and its family entertainment appeal. On the other hand, Welcome To The Jungle has also worked well at the box office and continues to attract audiences in several centres, making exhibitors cautious about reducing its showcasing in the third week. Despite the competition, the trade remains optimistic about Dhamaal 4, with many expecting it to register a very strong opening at the box office. If audience word of mouth turns out to be positive, the film has the potential to emerge as one of the biggest comedy openers of the year.
Meanwhile, Welcome To The Jungle continues to perform well in a few key territories and is holding steady at the box office. The film's distributors are also seeking a strong hold in its third week, requesting exhibitors to retain a healthy number of shows. With Dhamaal 4 demanding extensive showcasing, Welcome To The Jungle looking to maintain its momentum, and Alpha seeking fair hold & showcasing for their second weekend, exhibitors are expected to face one of the toughest programming weeks in recent times.
The next few days are expected to witness a showcasing tussle between distributors and exhibitors. With multiple films competing for prime-time slots and premium screens, it remains to be seen how theatres strike the right balance while accommodating the demands of all three movies.
Advance bookings for Dhamaal 4 are expected to open from tomorrow, i.e., Monday evening, after exhibitors confirm their showcasing plans with the distributors.
One thing, however, is already clear Dhamaal 4 is gearing up for a grand nationwide release, and the distributors are leaving no stone unturned to secure maximum showcasing across India.
