'No other movie should be released on the day 'Thackeray' movie hits the theatres', threatens Shiv Sena

As the trailer of ‘Thackeray’, the biopic on late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray was unveiled with fanfare on Wednesday, the party has issued a warning to the makers of the movies it is clashing with at the box office. 

READ: “Hope For A Quick Resolution On Babri Masjid Case If Not Quick Relief By Censor Board,” Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Quips At 'Thackeray' Trailer Launch

‘Thackeray’ is set to release on 25 January, two days after the birth anniversary of Thackeray. Bala Lokare, Secretary, Shiv Sena Chitrapat Sena, has stated that he won’t allow any other movie releasing alongside ‘Thackeray’ to work. 

Lokare in a Facebook post wrote, “Thackeray film 25 January ko aa rahi hai, koi bhi film 25 ko aayegi to chalne nahi denge (‘Thackeray’ film is releasing on 25 January. If any other film releases on 25th, we won’t let it work.)

When Republic TV got in touch with Lokare, he confirmed to us that he won't allow any other movie to hit the theatres on January 25. We contacted the director Abhijit Panse, who could not be reached for comment. 

‘Thackeray’ is set to release alongside three other movies, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Manikarnika’, Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Super 30’ and Emraan Hashmi’s ‘Cheat India.’ There’s a lot riding on all the three movies.

‘Super 30’ will be Hrithik’s first release after two years since the release of ‘Kaabil’ in 2017. As far as Manikarnika’ is concerned, the period drama based on the life of Rani of Jhansi has been in the works for a long time and the budget of the venture is also massive. It also marks the directorial debut of the actress, who has jointly helmed along with Radha Krishna Jagalramudi aka Krish.Emraan’s ‘Cheat India’ has created headlines for its unique take on the examination system of the country.

READ: WATCH: "This Is 2-hours-long. I've Seen The 52-year Full Picture", Says Uddhav Thackeray At The Balasaheb Thackeray Biopic Trailer Launch

A release on a national holiday or a festival is considered extremely important by producers and that’s the reason multiple films usually queue up during Republic Day, Independence Day, Diwali, Eid, Christmas and other days of importance in the country. Naturally, releasing on any other day might lead to a loss of revenue for the makers.

'Thackeray' trailer launch in Mumbai earlier in the day was grand with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Member of Parliament and senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, also the writer-producer of the movie, and the lead actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Amrita Rao in attendance.

Nawazuddin's portrayal of Thackeray was being lauded by celebrities and netizens on social media, keeping it on the top of the trends.