Following the massive success of “RRR,” NTR has collaborated with Koratala Siva for the adventure drama film “Devara.” Initially slated for a grand multilingual release on April 5, the movie faces a tough challenge in the Hindi belt. The multistarrer “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, is already set for an Eid 2024 release. Additionally, Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated sports drama “Maidaan,” centered around football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, is also scheduled for an Eid 2024 release. Directed by Amit Sharma, “Maidaan” was initially supposed to mark Keerthy Suresh’s Hindi debut.
There are speculations about a possible change in Devara’s release date due to the elections in Andhra Pradesh. If April is chosen for the elections, Devara might be rescheduled; otherwise, it’s set to arrive on April 5. The exact release date for “Maidaan” is still pending, adding complexity to the clash. Exhibitors in the North anticipate a challenging situation with three films clashing, foreseeing potential conflicts over screen sharing. Politics may come into play, with producers competing for screen space. If Devara sticks to April 5, it won’t have a free run in the Northern belts.
The filmmakers had aimed to make a significant impact in the Hindi market by casting Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, intending to expand NTR’s reach after “RRR.” However, with the clash, that advantage may be compromised. The question remains: will this clash be as intense as the Dunki Vs. Salaar clash, or could it prove to be even more challenging? Only time will reveal the answer.