Pushpa 2 vs Baby John: Showdown at the Box Office Threatens Screen Space in North India

The box office juggernaut Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, is facing a major roadblock in North India as it gears up for a clash with Varun Dhawan's Baby John. The tension escalated when the film's North India distributor, Anil Thadani of AA Films, issued a firm ultimatum to theatre chains, demanding uninterrupted screen space for Pushpa 2 despite the arrival of Baby John.

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The Clash Over Screenspace

Anil Thadani reportedly asked exhibitors in North India to provide a written assurance that the number of shows for Pushpa 2 would not be reduced starting December 25, the release date of Baby John. According to sources, Thadani warned that if this condition wasn't met, the Release Order (RO) for Pushpa 2 might not be issued for the weekend, effectively halting its screenings in PVR-INOX theaters across North India.

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This standoff created ripples in the exhibition sector, with reports suggesting that PVR-INOX might pull Pushpa 2 from their theatres after December 22. However, a late-night meeting between the two parties on Friday brought temporary relief, and advance bookings for Pushpa 2 were reopened for screenings till December 22. The fate of the film's screenings post-December 25, however, remains uncertain.

Why North India is Crucial for Pushpa 2

The Hindi version of Pushpa 2 has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi-dubbed film of all time. With over ₹11 crore earned on Friday alone, North India remains a critical market for the film's overall box office performance. Any disruption in screenings could significantly impact its earnings.

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Baby John's Entry into the Arena

Baby John, directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee, stars Varun Dhawan, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Keerthy Suresh. As an adaptation of Vijay’s Tamil blockbuster Theri, the film is expected to draw massive crowds, particularly during the Christmas holiday season.

The Road Ahead

With both films targeting the same mass audience, the battle for screens has become inevitable. Theatre chains, distributors, and fans are closely watching how this situation unfolds. Whether Pushpa 2 retains its stronghold in the Hindi belt or Baby John makes a grand entry will become clear as the holiday season approaches.

The box office war this Christmas promises to be one for the ages, with both films eyeing dominance and exhibitors caught in the crossfire.

Tags: Pushpa 2, Baby John, Allu Arjun, Varun Dhawan, Box Office Clash, Bollywood Movies, PVR INOX, AA Films, Movie Release, Christmas Release,