Exhibitors to seek refund from YRF after Thugs Of Hindostan debacle?

Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan starrer Thugs Of Hindostan, which was released on November 8 on the occasion of Diwali, turned out to be a box-office debacle despite being made on a budget of over Rs 300 crore. Having managed to collect Rs 145 crore over its 11-day run at theatres, the exhibitors have lost more than 50 per cent of their investment in the project. And now we hear that they are considering approaching Yash Raj Studios for compensation.

Mid-Day quoted an exhibitor, on the condition of anonymity, as saying, "As is the practice with YRF, the studio had taken on the distribution responsibilities. The exhibitors agreed to the minimum-guarantee deal as they expected handsome profits from the big-budget film, but the tables have turned. So, we are planning to approach the sub-distributors [YRF] to get a refund. We hope YRF, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan will help us in this situation, else there is a possibility of a few theatres having to even shut down."

Despite releasing across 5,000 screens in the domestic market, the film went on a downward spiral after receiving rave reviews from everyone after its release.

Trade analyst Akshaye Rathi also told Mid-Day, "While the production house is not legally bound to refund the money, I believe they should do it on moral grounds. Considering YRF is a reputed producer, I am hopeful they will take a decision that will be in the best interest of the exhibitors." The exhibitors are likely to meet studio officials this week. Trade expert Amod Mehra says, "We have to wait and watch whether the production house will take stock of the situation and offer a compensation."

Now we wonder what YRF has to say about it.