Salman Khan starrer "Sultan" has not only pushed the release of Shah Rukh Khan's "Raees," but the film has forced the makers of four other movies in Pakistan to delay their releases.
The much awaited movie, "Sultan," is all set to witness a worldwide release on Eid this year. This has forced the makers of four local movies in Pakistan (which were supposed to be released around the same time) to postpone the release dates. The Salman starrer and other big budget Hollywood movies have pre-booked almost all the theatres in the neighbouring country, according to the Express Tribune.
Like in India, "Sultan" is being expected to have a strong run at the Pakistani box office as well and that has led to the postponement of four local movies, including "Salute," "Bhai Wanted," "Tum Hi To Ho" and "Ishq Positive." Initially schedule to be released in July, the said movies will now hit the screens on Aug. 14 or on Eidul Azha, the report added.
However, two other Pakistani films, "Blind Love" and "Sawaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka," will reportedly be released along with "Sultan." "We want to release local films as we want to revive our own industry but we don't have an option," the report quoted Pakistan Cinema Owners Association Chairman Safdar Khan as saying.
The report also quoted a local theatre owner saying, "We are unable to balance our expenditures, which is why we prefer Indian and Hollywood films. We were expecting the release of some local films this Eid but are disappointed that certain renowned film-makers have decided to delay their projects."
Salman has a huge fan base in Pakistan and that became evident with the brilliant business that "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" had at the Pakistani box office. There is also a buzz that Aamir Khan and the makers of "Dangal" are planning to postpone its release from Christmas 2016 to next year, as both "Dangal" and "Sultan" are based on the sport of Wrestling.
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, "Sultan" is a sports drama that will present Salman as a wrestler from Haryana. The film also features Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda and Amit Sadh.