Karan’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil can suffer 25% loss if banned

Trade analysts discuss what kind of losses director Karan Johar’s film can suffer if Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is not screened in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and parts of Karnataka.

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s upcoming film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, is in deep waters again. The Cinema Owners’ and Exhibitors Association had decided to not screen the film, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and parts of Karnataka. Industry experts feel, if this is implemented, “it can mean a loss of Rs 5-6 crore” for the film.

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, is in trouble after Cine Owner’s Association has decided to not screen the film in some states.

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The association’s vice president Nitin Dattar, said the decision was taken keeping the public sentiment in mind.

“We have decided to not screen films with Pakistani actors. Keeping in mind patriotic feelings and national interest, we request all members to refrain from screening it. We’ll also request other associations to do the same,” he said.

A still from the film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, starring actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor.

The film has been made with a budget of Rs 55 crore. Talk of losses, and trade analyst Atul Mohan says: “I don’t think this is going to happen with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. You can’t put a break on a film which is ready for release. Let the producers’ association take the call. All these things are coming last minute for everyone.”

Trade analyst Amul Mohan, too, says it’s not a valid decision, and that the states named so far fall under the Mumbai territory of films. “When the film was being made, things were not this bad. I don’t buy into this situation of not release at all. These are all single screen theatres that are taking a stand. Multi-screens will not be affected,” he says.

However, if it is executed, Amul Mohan says then it would definitely cause a big loss to the film. “The film is distributed by Fox studios and they have already started distributing on advance money basis. It will not be easy for distributors to say no to them. Also, it is important to understand that for theatres, it is not about rejecting one Dharma Production film but saying no to many Fox films, which include many Hollywood movies as well,” he says.

Film distributor Rajesh Thadani says, “Whatever is the business of the film in the Mumbai territory, the film can suffer at least 25% loss. It depends on how many theatres abide by the decision.”

A spokesperson for the film refused to comment on the matter.