As anticipated last Friday, the eight-week dispute between Indian producers and multiplexes is finally over, with the major multiplex chains agreeing revenue-sharing terms with the United Producers Forum (UPF).

Big Cinemas was the first multiplex operator to reach agreement with the UPF last Friday and was followed by the others (Fame, Inox, Movietime, Fun, Cinemax and PVR) later that day.

The exhibitors have agreed to a split of 50:50 (producers:multiplexes) in the first week of a film’s release, regardless of cast or budget, and 42:58, 35:65 and 30:70 in subsequent weeks.

However, a performance-based element has been added for films that gross more than $3.7m at the top six multiplex chains – in which case terms will be revised to 52:48, 45:55, 38:62 and 30:70.

Producers-distributors are now booking newspaper ads, billboards and TV promos for films which are being scheduled for release over the next six weeks. Three films open this Friday (June 12), including Big Pictures’ Kal Kissne Dekha, with a similar number likely to hit screens on a weekly basis in order to make up for lost time.

Next week (June19), Mukta Arts will release Paying Guests and the following week (June 26) will see the release of the first big-ticket film – Yash Raj Films’ New York.

In July, Vishesh Films’ Jashnn, Eros International’s Kambakkth Ishq and UTV Motion Pictures’ Agyaat are expected. Big Pictures has also scheduled Kashmir-set thriller Sikandar for a June opening. Eros International will also release Love Aaj Kal on July 31, which will be accompanied by Ashtavinayak Films’ Luck.

The US studios which were quietly supporting the protest have also cranked up release schedules. Fox Star Studios India has X-Men Origins: Wolverine scheduled to open on June 19, Bride Wars on June 26 (tentative), a day-and-date release for Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs on July 3 and Night At The Museum 2 on July 24.

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