MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year when Yash Raj Films signs its annual agreement with multiplexes for its slate of forthcoming films.
This year’s slate includes in-house films such as Tashan, Kunal Kohli’s untitled film, Siddharth Anand’s Bachna Ae Haseeno, animated flick Roadside Romeo and Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Apart from these, Yash Raj will also distribute Krazzy 4 produced by Rakesh Roshan in a few territories in India.
From all the above mentioned films Krazzy 4 will be the first to hit theatres on 11 April. YRF is distributing this film in all territories except Delhi – UP, Punjab and Bengal and is looking at a revenue share of 50 (first week) and 45 (second week) for Bombay circuit and 50 (first and second week) for other circuits. Krazzy 4 is directed by debutant Raja Sen. The film stars Juhi Chawla, Irrfan Khan, Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon, Rajat Kapoor and Dia Mirza.
Of the other films Tashan is releasing on 25 April, Kunal Kohli’s next releasing on 27 June, Bachna Ae Haseeno releasing on 15 August and Roadside Romeo releasing on 24 October, revenue sharing terms of 50 (first week) and 45 (second week) are being looked at for Bombay, which is the same as last year.
Shah Rukh Khan and Sonam starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will see Aditya Chopra directing a movie after a gap of eight years. His last film as a director was Mohabbatein in 2000. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will release on 12 December and for this film Yash Raj is looking at a share of 55 (first week) and 50 (second week) for Bombay. This implies that from the total Bombay circuit’s earning of the first week, 55 per cent will be Yash Raj’s share, which is something that has never happened until now. For other cities a share of 55 (first and second week) is being looked at.
The negotiations between multiplexes and Yash Raj are in progress and the parties are expected to sign on the dotted lines soon, as the first film from the slate Krazzy 4 will hit theatres next week.
Until now, other corporates in the industry have vied for revenue same as Yash Raj’s for some of their high profile projects. Now, with Yash Raj taking this a notch ahead, it needs to be seen how other filmed entertainment companies will react to this; especially if the decision is arrived at in YRF’s favour at 55 per cent or even any other figure higher than 50.
Initially, the terms for all Yash Raj films for 2007 namely Tara Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Chak De! India, Laaga Chunari Main Daag and Aaja Nach Le were agreed upon at 50 (first week) and 45 (second week) for the Bombay circuit. However since none of the movies barring Chak De! India faired as per expectations Yash Raj Films waved off the revenue terms by five per cent, making it 45 (first week) and 40 (second week).
When contacted by Businessofcinema.com, Yash Raj officials refused to comment on the development.
