Thirteen years ago, on November 13, 2012, two major Bollywood productions, ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ starring Shah Rukh Khan and ‘Son of Sardaar’ featuring Ajay Devgn, locked horns not just at the box office but also in a significant controversy over cinema screen allocation. This clash highlighted the competitive landscape of film releases and the strategies employed to capture maximum audience attention.
Ajay Devgn became the focal point of this dispute when his production house, Ajay Devgn Films (ADF), filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The core of the complaint was the alleged preferential treatment given to Yash Raj Films’ ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ in securing single-screen theater bookings. Devgn asserted that he was merely seeking a ‘fair fight’ and accused YRF of leveraging its industry standing to gain an unfair advantage, thus limiting the exhibition opportunities for ‘Son of Sardaar.’
Devgn clarified that his legal action was taken prior to the passing of veteran director Yash Chopra. He expressed his awareness of the potential negative interpretation of his actions, stating, ‘I was a villain on both sides. I couldn’t withdraw it (notice) from the Competition Commission… It is not a normal court.’ He emphasized his respect for Yash Chopra and his body of work, stating, ‘I respected Yashji as much anybody else does. We have grown up watching his films.’ Devgn insisted his fight was for fair play, not to obstruct the release of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan,’ but to ensure a level playing field for ‘Son of Sardaar.’ ‘I am fighting for my right. I am not asking anyone to stop the release of a film, I am not asking for compensation; I am asking them to be fair,’ he declared.
Shah Rukh Khan, the lead actor of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan,’ offered a different perspective, describing the screen allocation controversy as ‘silly and strange.’ He pointed out that the entertainment industry functions on free-market principles, not monopolistic control. Khan expressed uncertainty about how such issues are resolved, rhetorically asking, ‘Is someone going to tell me not to release my film on Friday.’ Despite the surrounding controversy, he maintained a positive outlook on the commercial prospects of both films, concluding, ‘I think both the movies will do well.’