Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar set for a big screen clash again!

In 2009, Ajay Devgn’s All The Best and Akshay Kumar’s Blue released together. The next year, they clashed at the box office twice. Ajay’s Golmaal 3 and Toonpur Ka Superhero hit the theatres alongside Akshay’s Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan respectively.

In 2009, Ajay Devgn’s All The Best and Akshay Kumar’s Blue released together. The next year, they clashed at the box office twice. Ajay’s Golmaal 3 and Toonpur Ka Superhero hit the theatres alongside Akshay’s Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan respectively.

Now, the actors are all set for a new big screen war with Ajay’s Action Jackson (AJ) and Akshay’s Thuppaki remake both slotted for a May 1 release next year.

“Really? I have no idea about it (the clash). You are the first one to inform me,” says AJ director Prabhu Dheva, adding “If it’s true, I am sure both the producers will sit and discuss it. Anyone will be worried about such big clashes. Also, I am supposed to work with Akshay sir soon (laughs).”

Thuppaki producer Vipul Shah isn’t keen on both films releasing together either. He reveals that Akshay and he had wanted the film to be released in April itself. “But now the studio (Reliance) has decided on the film’s release date. Since the stakes are very high these days, the feeling is that a four-day weekend will be helpful for business. But I personally don’t want a clash. Both the parties should sit together, discuss the matter and move one of the films,” he says.

For the makers of AJ too, it’s the lure of the four-day weekend that led them to pick the date. Ajay was quoted in a trade magazine as saying that producer Gordhan Tanwani was advised by distributors to pick May 1. “When he told me what they said, I was happy with it,” said Ajay.

Ajay-Devgn

Experts are of the opinion that the clash will be averted. “One of them will shift. Everyone is well aware that if it happens, they will unnecessarily eat into the other’s business.” Producer Ramesh Taurani adds, “Clashes are never good, but jiska paisa laga hai (whoever’s money is on the line), they have to decide.”

Alleged couple may clash too
Next year, Ranbir Kapoor and alleged girlfriend Katrina Kaif may also face off at box office with their films, Jagga Jasoos and Bang Bang. Initially, Ranbir was keen to have the release on Diwali 14, but it has now been pushed ahead to October 2 — Gandhi Jayanti. That happens to be the date that director Siddharth Anand has in mind for his Hrithik Roshan-Katrina starrer. In August, Independence Day also looks packed, with three big-budget films lined up — Akshay Kumar’s Gabbar, Ajay Devgn’s Singham 2 and Saif Ali Khan-Katrina starrer Phantom.