MUMBAI: Though Salman Khan was very keen on an Eid release for the sequel to Dabangg.  The problem is, another Salman film Ek Tha Tiger has already been scheduled for Eid. So while another lucrative window, the Christmas weekend has selected for the release of Dabangg 2.

Says a source, “Ek Tha Tiger and  Dabangg 2 are completely different films. However Salman feels his fans cannot take both the films although they are hugely contrasting in plot, tone and entertainment value.’

Arbaaz Khan who directs Dabangg 2 sees no purpose in crowding the Eid weekend with two Salman releases.

Speaking exclusively to businessofcinema.com, Arbaaz stated, “We can’t possibly release it this Eid. There’s no sense in two Salman starrers on the same Friday. So the only option is to wait till next Eid in 2013. And that would be really late. So I’m going with the Christmas weekend for Dabangg 2 , December 21. That is a terrific holiday weekend too.”

About Salman insisting on Eid for Dabangg 2, Arbaaz protests, “I don’t think there should be any hard and fast rules about specific windows for specific stars. Christmas weekend is as good as the Eid weekend. I’m happy with it.”

All of  Salman’s  recent blockbusters Wanted, Dabangg and Bodyguard have been Eid releases.