A day before Jailer 2′s release, a big dispute has broken out in Salem. All the major multiplexes in the Salem area have announced that they will not screen Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2. The theatres say the film’s distributor is demanding a 70 percent share of ticket revenue from them, higher than what other areas in Tamil Nadu are being asked to pay.
What the Multiplexes Said
In an official statement released today, the Salem multiplexes said:
“We are really pained to make this announcement that all Major multiplexes in Salem Area won’t be releasing Thalaivar’s Jailer-2. We patiently waited for the past 2 to 3 days for a positive reply from the Distributor but they are not even willing to talk to us.”
The statement was issued jointly by Grand Cinemas, Lakshmi Cinemas, DNC Theatres, SPR, ARRS Multiplex, Dhivyam and Akshaya Multiplex.
The 70 Percent Problem
At the heart of the dispute is the revenue share. When a film releases, the money from ticket sales is split between the theatre and the distributor. The distributor’s cut is called the share.
According to the Salem multiplexes, the distributor has given Jailer 2 to theatres in other areas at a share of 60 to 65 percent:
- Chengalpet Area: 65%
- VC Madurai: 65%
- SSC Tirupur and Erode: 60%
- BC Coimbatore and Tirupur: 60%
- North and South Arcot Multiplexes: 65%
- Trichy LA: 65%
But for Salem, the multiplexes say the distributor is “adamant that Salem multiplexes should pay 70%.” For a theatre, every extra percent given to the distributor means less money left to cover its own costs.
“Selective Discrimination”
The theatres called the demand unfair. “This selective discrimination and refusal to even talk to us by the distributor has forced us to take this decision to skip the movie,” the statement read.
At the same time, the multiplexes made it clear they have nothing against the film or its star. “We wish the movie a grand success and regret that we could not join this celebrations along with Thalaivar Fans,” they said, adding that they always want to give the best experience to their patrons.
What It Means for Fans and the Box Office
Salem is one of the important centres in Tamil Nadu, and losing all its major multiplexes is a blow for the film’s opening there. Fans in the city will now have to depend on single screens or travel to other towns to watch the film on day one.
The timing also hurts. Jailer 2’s pre-release buzz has been lower than expected, and every screen counts as the film tries to push its opening beyond ₹100 Cr worldwide. In Track Tollywood’s city-wise tracking earlier this week, Salem was among the top 15 cities for Jailer 2’s advance bookings in India.
Can It Still Be Solved?
With the film releasing tomorrow, there is very little time left. Disputes like this are sometimes settled at the last minute, and if the distributor and the multiplexes reach an agreement, shows could still be added. The distributor has not yet responded publicly to the multiplexes’ statement.
Jailer 2 releases worldwide tomorrow, October 15. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film brings back Rajinikanth as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.
