Ramayana bookings stalled as distributors push for higher revenue share

Advance booking for the film Ramayana has been delayed on Dussehra as distributors and exhibitors clash over revenue‑share terms. The movie, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, was slated to open bookings at 9:30 am on October 20, the Hindu festival of Dussehra. By that time only two multiplexes – INOX Korum Mall in Thane and AMB Cinemas Kapali in Bengaluru – had started taking reservations, leaving most cinemas across India empty.

What Happened

Distributors are demanding a 60 % share of box‑office receipts in week 1, 50 % in week 2 and 40 % in week 3. The standard arrangement for big releases is 52.5 % / 45 % / 37.5 % respectively. The higher ask has made exhibitors wary, so they have held back from opening slots. A trade source said talks are ongoing but no deadline has been set.

Reaction

Exhibitors argue the proposed split could cut their margins, while distributors claim the film’s star power justifies a larger cut. Both parties say they want a wide, grand‑scale release on November 5, yet they cannot move forward without a mutually acceptable commercial deal.

Context

Revenue‑sharing fights often surface when a high‑budget film promises big earnings. The percentage split decides how much of each ticket price goes to the film’s distributor versus the cinema owner, and it can delay advance bookings if parties do not agree.