Pakistan To Blackout SRK And Akshay Starrers This

Pakistan is a big market for Bollywood films, especially if the films feature any of the big Bollywood superstars. However, throwing a stunner this year, distributors and exhibitors in Pakistan have apparently decided to abandon the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chennai Express and the Akshay Kumar starrer Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, reasoning that Pakistani filmmakers want their films to gain more prominence this Eid.

If this new ruling holds water, it may just cut off a major share of revenue for the respective film's producers. Commenting on the same, Tanuj Garg- CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, says, "Though we have not yet received any official notification from the Pakistani authorities, if this is true, it will surely be really sad. In fact I feel that this is really amazing and bizarre that an industry that thrives on Bollywood films can take such a decision. If you look at the Pakistani market there has been a revival, thanks to Bollywood films. But all the same, if we do receive a notification, we will need to discuss this matter, since you cannot just blackout any film for your indigenous cinema, though you have all the right to revive it through better means."

Commenting on this matter, renowned trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, "First of all, till an official note comes in from the Pakistan government, we should not speculate on whether or not these films will release. Secondly, even if they want to blackout the film, yes we will definitely lose out on a crore or two in terms of revenue, but for them the losses will be huge. Like if you replace Bollywood films with Pakistani films in theatres, the business would not be the same it would definitely not be the optimum output generated."

So it seems like, Bollywood will have to wait for the official notification from Pakistan government if any such black out will be carried out this Eid.