Yash-Raj film Fanaa is stirring up quite a controversy just a few days prior to its release. Yash-Raj distributors want a higher profit percentage from multiplex theaters. However multiplex owners are refusing to budge from their stand and give into the distributor’s demands, as they fear it may set a precedent for other film distributors. Another controversy for Fanaa is that the film has been banned by the state of Gujarat, owing to Aamir’s support and remarks for the cause of the Narmada project.
Now that Yash-Raj film distributors have demanded for a high percentage of the profits from multiplexes, other film distributors are also lending their support to them in the hope of following suit. These distributors are closely observing the ongoing battle between Yash-Raj distributors and the All India Multiplex Association. At present, since multiplex owners have refused to give in to the Yash-Raj distributor’s demands of a seven percent hike, the film will only be screened at all single-screen theaters. However if the multiplexes don’t budge from their stand both parties, multiplexes as well as Yash-Raj stands to lose crores of rupees.
All India Multiplex Association President, Deepak Ashar however still hopes that in the few days left before the release of Fanaa, some understanding or compromise will be worked out to suit both parties. Yash-Raj distributors say “We have only asked the multiplexes to give us a better share for Fanaa. We have also told them, that we are asking for better terms only if the film performs well at the box-office and are willing to go ahead with the old terms if the film does not do well.” Distributors are also upset with multiplexes, as in spite of the fact that they have been given tax exemption by the state, multiplexes still refuse to share a part of the vast profits they make.
The state of Gujarat has decided to ban Aamir Khan starrer Fanaa, until he tenders an apology for his recent anti-Narmada statements. Aamir’s earlier film, Rang De Basanti too was withdrawn in Gujarat after a political party protested against his support to the Narmada Bachao project. Aamir had also made a few statements on the government’s handling of the Vadodara riots in Gujarat. No other films of Aamir Khan’s will be screened in Gujarat. National general secretary of political party, BJP, Amit Thaker said “We found Aamir’s comments on Narmada very prejudiced and insensitive.” Thaker also confirmed that the movie would only be screened in Gujarat after an apology from Aamir Khan.
Director of Fanaa, Kunal Kohli was very upset with this move by the Gujarat state and says “The theater owners in Gujarat have been threatened by a political party and therefore they are not screening the film.” However Kohli defends Aamir’s stance by saying that in a democratic country any individual was allowed to state their point of view. Yash-Raj Films will face an approximate loss of Rs 2-3 crores due to the ban.
On a brighter note, Yash-Raj Films plans to launch Yash-Raj Films merchandise. The production house will launch their strategy with their next film, Fanaa. Products shown in the movies will be made available for purchase by fans. Three objects of desire from the film Fanaa can be purchased by the public, the first item is a reflection cup-saucer set, and the cup has a mirror finish which reflects stills from the film when placed on the saucer. The second is a mug which depicts autographed pictures of Aamir and Kajol. The third item is the Mirchi pendant that Aamir wears throughout the film. This new gimmick will definitely add a new dimension to Yash-Raj Films and may also set a trend for other production houses. This is bound to create a new rage among the public too as they will definitely want to be seen sporting the same goods as their idols.
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