Multiplexes for Dilwale, single screens for Bajirao ?

Even as the makers of "Dilwale" and "Bajirao Mastani" gear up to release their films tommorrow, it is still not clear which one of them have managed to bag maximum screens.

When two big films clash, box office collection also depends on the number screens a film manages to lock in its kitty.

Eros International, which released "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" this Eid, had apparently laid down a pre-condition before single screen theatres owners that if they wanted to exhibit the Salman Khan starrer, then they have to showcase "Bajirao Mastani" too on its release.

This comes after the incident in 2012, when Eros was at the receiving end with Ajay Devgn starrer "Son of Sardaar" losing out to "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" in terms of screen count.

This time, Shah Rukh's production house Red Chillies Entertainment is distributing "Dilwale". This is the first film that they are independently releasing and hence they have to compete with veteran players in the field.

PVR Pictures is also one of the distributors of the Rohit Shetty film and there is a buzz that "Dilwale" will take over most screens in the multiplex's chains across the country as compared to "Bajirao Mastani". Online ticket bookings for the films also suggest a lead for "Dilwale" in multiplexes.

As for advance bookings, ticket windows for both the films have opened but no one was willing to share the exact numbers as yet.

When quizzed, PVR boss Ajay Bijli chose to play safe and said that both "Bajirao" as well as "Dilwale" are big films for them and there wouldn't be much difference in the screen space shared between the two.

"'Bajirao Mastani' as well as 'Dilwale' are big films and both have got good advance bookings. It's unprecedented for both the films. We are expecting aggressive opening for both the films," Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures told PTI.

"Advance bookings of both the movies are fabulous. We are hoping this weekend will be one of the biggest box office weekends," Rajender Singh, VP, Programming & Distribution at Inox Leisure said.