Distributors and exhibitors in Pakistan overrule release of Chennai Express and OUATIM 2 on Eid Day

Everyone knows that Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express (UTV) has been pitted against the Akshay Kumar-starrer Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2 {OUATIM} (Balaji Motion Pictures), that are to release on the Ramzan Eid Day, 8 August. But, like always, these films will not see the light in Pakistan for distributors and exhibitors in the country have decided not to release these films in the country. The reason being cited is that Pakistani filmmakers want four of their films Josh, Ishq Khuda, War and Mera Naam Afridi to get the upper hand than the Indian films. According to trade circles, Pakistan’s blackout of these two films will lead to an estimated loss of around Rs 20 crore. It is said UTV and Balaji tried reasoning with the filmmakers, but to no avail. Our source in the film industry is of the feeling that the production houses are not averse to rescheduling the two films to 15 August. “But piracy would have reduced the business prospects of the two films by then,” he reasons.