Shah Rukh Khan's "Dilwale" and Ranveer Singh's "Bajirao Mastani" clash at the box office is the biggest this year, but looks like the former has taken the lead with screen counts.
"Dilwale" and "Bajirao Mastani" both are big-budget films releasing on the same day. The promotions of both the films have started with a bang, but as of now, "Dilwale" has an upper hand.
"Both are big-budget films and have distinct marketing strategies as they cater to different kind of audiences. However, as far as the screen count for both films is concerned, Dilwale, at the moment, has an upper hand," Mid-Day quoted a source as saying.
Industry source says that due to "Dilwale" commercial value, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer is more popular among the distributors and the exhibitors.
Distributor and exhibitor Akshaye Rathi said that the final screen count is not out yet, but it is getting bigger and better for both the films.
"Its an on-going process where everyone is trying for an optimal showcase. Right now. 'Dilwale' has an of an upper hand with over 2,500 screens while 'Bajirao Mastani' has just under 2,000 screens across the country," Rathi told Mid-Day.
"Dilwale" directed by Rohit Shetty, features Shah Rukh, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles. "Bajirao Mastani" directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali features Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.
Both the films will be released worldwide on 18 December.
