Tue Oct 21 04:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

A major dispute arose between the producers/distributors of two Diwali-released films, “Thamma” and “Deewaniyat,” regarding screen allocation, particularly with the dominant multiplex chain, PVR Inox. “Deewaniyat” initially refused PVR Inox’s offerings, deeming them insufficient. “Thamma’s” producers then requested a large number of screens, effectively squeezing out “Deewaniyat.” PVR Inox, also the distributor of “Thamma,” seemingly leveraged its dual role to favor the film. An agreement has now been reached for multiplexes with three or more screens, but single-screen and two-screen cinemas remain a point of contention, with PVR Inox blocking “Deewaniyat” entirely. Several factors are contributing to PVR Inox’s stance: Avanika Films (“Deewaniyat’s” distributor) being a new entity, the “quiet” securing of Raj Mandir cinema showings that angered PVR Inox, and potential past grievances against Avanika’s principals.

News Article:

Diwali Box Office Battle Eases as PVR Inox and “Deewaniyat” Reach Agreement, But Smaller Theaters Remain a Sticking Point

Mumbai, India – The tension surrounding the Diwali releases of “Thamma” and “Deewaniyat” has partially subsided after the largest multiplex chain in India, PVR Inox, and the producers/distributors of “Deewaniyat” reached an understanding regarding show allocation. The move comes after “Deewaniyat” initially boycotted PVR Inox, citing unfair screen distribution offers.

The conflict escalated when producers of “Thamma,” distributed by PVR Inox, allegedly pressured exhibitors nationwide for a disproportionately high number of shows, effectively sidelining “Deewaniyat.” Sources suggest PVR Inox, leveraging its distribution rights for “Thamma” and its control as a dominant exhibitor, may have orchestrated the move to favor its film.

While a deal has been struck for multiplexes with three or more screens, the situation remains unresolved for single-screen and two-screen cinemas. PVR Inox has reportedly refused to allocate any shows to “Deewaniyat” in these smaller venues, even if advance bookings for “Thamma” warrant fewer screenings. Exhibitors are instead being urged to consider alternative films to fill those slots.

Industry insiders point to several factors fueling the conflict. These include Avanika Films, the distributor of “Deewaniyat”, being a relatively new entity. Further inflaming the issue was the “quiet” securing of showtimes at Jaipur’s prestigious Raj Mandir cinema, reportedly upsetting PVR Inox who had been vying for those same shows. It is also suggested that the owners of Avanika Films, Gaurav Verma and Deepak Upreti, might be facing “payback” from PVR Inox due to past dealings in their previous roles at other production and distribution companies.

The outcome for “Deewaniyat” in the single and two-screen markets remains uncertain, with the clash highlighting the complexities and power dynamics within the Indian film distribution and exhibition landscape.

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