Bhooth Bangla: Manoj Desai Criticises Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan’s Horror Comedy’s Release Strategy; Says, “Theatres Chalne Nahi Dete”

Film exhibitor Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir Cinema in Mumbai, has strongly criticised the release strategy of Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, alleging that the decision to delay advance bookings is harming single-screen theatres. Commenting on the response to paid previews, Desai said the film hasn’t opened as expected. He also cited the success of Dhurandhar and DDLJ.

Manoj Desai Criticises Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla Release Strategy

Desai expressed his frustration, stating to FilmiFever, “Pehli baat toh sabse badi complaint karni hai… maine Akshay ko try bhi kiya do-teen baar voicemail pe. He should understand this because they have stopped advance booking. Till the show comes out, they want to know first how it is going to do, and then open booking. I am totally against that. That is the only reason I am giving this interview—to protest.”

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He didn’t hold back while speaking about the broader impact on single-screen cinemas. Manoj stated, “Restriction nahi, humein khatam karna chahte hain. Theatre nahi chalne dete ho—shame on you.” Desai highlighted how audiences often travel long distances only to find bookings are not open, questioning, “Log kahan-kahan se aa rahe hain aur unko pata chalta hai booking khuli hi nahi hai. Why they are doing such injustice with single screens?”

Manoj Desai On Paid Previews

Regarding the response to paid previews, Desai reiterated, “Jo hona chahiye woh nahi hai… phir bhi inko akkal nahi aarahi hai. Akshay ko akkal nahi aa rahi hai. This is not the way you are working with theatres.”

He pointed to the long-running success of films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Manoj said, “DDLJ 30-40 saal se chal rahi hai… public kahan-kahan se nahi aati,” emphasising the importance of audience access. He also praised the release strategy of Dhurandhar, stating, “Dhurandhar ke time kuch bhi late nahi hua. Advance booking turant khul gayi thi. South wale logon ko akkal hoti hai… yahan koi sense of understanding nahi hai.”

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Manoj On price Gap Between Multiplexes, Single Screens

Desai addressed the price gap between multiplexes and single screens. He remarked, “Rate kam hai toh bhi public bhaag-bhaag ke aati hai. Aaj ke time pe Rs 500-600 sab nahi de sakte. Economy ka haal dekho… aur aise time pe tum theatre nahi chalne dete ho.” He asserted, “Single screens are the backbone.”

Calling for industry-wide support, Desai emphasised that the issue isn’t limited to one film, but affects all theatres. “Yeh sirf ek film ka nahi hai, har distributor aisa karta hai. Single-screen theatres ko support karna bahut zaroori hai. Agar cinema survive kar raha hai, toh single screens ki wajah se,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Desai assured that exhibitors like him will continue to adapt and, if necessary, shift focus to other films to keep theatres operational.

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Also Read: Bhooth Bangla: Akshay Kumar Starrer Gets U/A Certificate, Runtime Reduced By 10 Mins; Obscene Words Replaced

Akankshya Mukherjee

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