Bollywood Strike May Soon End

By: Mufsin Mahbub

Yes! Audiences may finally be able to breathe a long sigh of relief as latest developments confirm that the ongoing strike in Bollywood between producers and multiplexes may finally be over. After an intense meeting, the two warring parties have kissed and made-up. It is believed that the three-month long strike has cost the industry about 300 crores. Ouch!

Actors Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan met again last Wednesday for another Producers Guild meeting at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The core members including filmmakers Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt, Yash Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Eros International's Sunil Lulla and Amit Khanna of BIG Pictures were present for the same. Talking about a solution to the deadlock, Mukesh Bhatt said, "You will get good news in two days."

It was interesting to see SRK and Vidhu Vinod Chopra leave together from the meeting which began at 9 pm and went on for over three hours. The two had fought via the media regarding the hijack of Raju Hirani. While Chopra had alleged SRK of doing it, SRK had denied strongly. But now it seems that the big war has brought these two back together.

A source present at the meeting revealed, SRK was more involved this time and attentively listened to Amit Khanna who explained him the latest developments. Aamir was quieter. As soon as the meeting ended Aamir left before SRK. They avoided getting clicked together.

A meeting will be held soon between the producer's guild core members and the seven multiplex owners. With Vashu Bhagnani also stating few days back that 9 out of 10 issues have been resolved between the warring parties, a solution seems more likely through this meeting.

If this happens then from Friday 5th June, one can see big releases beginning in multiplexes all over the country with Vashu Bhagnani's 'Kal Kissne Dekha' being the first one. Also, Akshay Kumar starrer 'Kambakkth Ishq' was earlier supposed to release in May but will likely be pushed to July/August. It remains to be seen whether Vishal Bhardwaj will release 'Kaminey' in June or not.

Regardless, viewers can expect the biggies to start releasing in July while June will probably be a month of heavy promotion. Grab your popcorn...its back to the movies!

What will you be looking forward to after the strike is over? Drop off your comments.