Ramayana advance bookings stalled by distributor-exhibitor revenue tussle

Advance bookings for Ramayana: Part 1 have stalled as distributors and exhibitors negotiate revenue-sharing terms ahead of the November 5 release.

Advance bookings for Ramayana: Part 1, expected to open on Dussehra, have stalled as distributors and exhibitors remain locked in a revenue-sharing tussle. Distributors are reportedly demanding a 60 per cent share for week one, well above the usual 52.5 per cent, leaving exhibitors reluctant to commit.

The standoff is a rare speed bump for one of Indian cinema's most anticipated releases, which opens November 5. Trade analysts say the terms under negotiation reflect the film's sky-high expectations, with distributors betting on a historic opening.

Meanwhile, the film's world premiere is locked for October 27 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. An early resolution of the revenue dispute is expected given the stakes for all parties.