Producer-multiplex owners row over ''Lage Raho.,..'' resolved

Mumbai, Sep 2 (UNI) The dispute between producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and multiplex owners over revenue sharing has been amicably resolved paving way for his new venture ''Lage Raho Munnabhai'' to be screened in multiplexes as well.

Both the parties have agreed upon mutually acceptable terms. By yesterday, all multiplexes had accepted the fair terms and today PVR cinemas also gave its nod, a spokesperson for Mr Chopra said.

Besides, a record number of 42 new prints have been released within a day of the film's release yesterday. Yesterday,'' Lage Raho Munnabhai'' was released with over 550 prints.

The spokesperson said Mr Chopra was seeking a 50:50 revenue sharing from the box office collections of the movie. '' Normally a multiplex owner keeps about 52 per cent and gives 48 per cent to the producer in the first week. The share of the producer goes down with every passing week'', the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the new prints have been released due to the overwhelming reactions and response from the audiences across the world.

Mr Chopra, when contacted, said the film has received standing ovation from audiences, critics and the industry. Referring to the stand off with the multiplex owners, Mr Chopra said, ''The hard work and efforts of my team has paid off and multiplexes have accepted fair terms. Bapu always believed that when you fight with the right intentions, victory shall come your way though it might take its time. What we were asking for is a fair share wherein both the producers and multiplexes are happy. This is the conclusion that of us have reached. The entertainment business can survive only if we make good films and they are shown in good theatres''.

Mr Chopra further added, '' We have been getting amazing reactions from across the country and overseas. Worldwide, the audiences have just loved the new Munna-Circuit episode.

The comic caper stars Sunjay Dutt once again in the lead role as the good hearted goon ''Munnabhai'' supported by Arshad Warsi as the inimitable Circuit. Lage Raho Munnabhai also stars Boman Irani and Jimmy Shergill.

The new film has Vidya Balan in the female lead along with Dia Mirza in a supporting role. The surprise character in ''Lage Raho...'' is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi played by noted Marathi actor Dilip Prabhavalkar.

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