It's just a week left for the much awaited release of Salman Khan's 'Tubelight' and the movie has come up with a fresh challenge as this Kabir Khan directorial will not see a Pakistan release. According to the reports, the movie has failed to bag any distributor in the country as 'Tubelight' has a box office clash in Pakistan with two big local movies and makers doesn't want to have any competition.
The media reports suggest two of Pakistan's popular movies - 'Yalghaar', which is the country's first ever international movie, and 'Shor Sharaba' are releasing on Eid. Reportedly, a lot of money has been invested on the both the movies and the makers are in no mood to take up any risk
“Salman has millions of fans in Pakistan and the filmmakers are in no mood to pitch their films against his. They are determined to protect the interests of their films instead,” Hirachand Dand, President of the Indian Film Exporters Association, was quoted saying to Deccan Chronicle.
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Interestingly, there were reports that 'Tubelight' might get a release in Pakistan but with a delay of two weeks. But looks like price factor has overpowered Salman's popularity in the country.
“The distributors are in no mood to pay the asking price for a Salman film even if it is released two weeks later, since it would have released all over the world by then. The business will also have reduced by 30 percent. And these days, pirated versions of films invariably get leaked online within a week of their release,” Dand added.
On the other hand, veteran Pakistani distributors Amjad Rashi also confirmed the news and stated, “I am not the right person to comment but I doubt whether the film will get clearance considering the Indo-China war subject. Salman is no doubt a big star in Pakistan but the film could also face other hurdles as it reflects anti-China sentiments”.
Talking about the movie, 'Tubelight' is based with a backdrop of 1962 Indo-China war. Apart from Salman, the movie also stars Sohail Khan, Chinese actress Zhu Zhu and child actor Matin Rey Tangu. 'Tubelight' is slated to release on June 23.