New Delhi: October has some interesting films lined up. But this Dussehra will see a major clash between Varun Dhawan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1. Both films will be released in cinemas on October 2.
This is what Varun Dhawan and trade experts say about the two films releasing on October 2, 2025. Varun Dhawan recently told India Today that Kantara’s fans don’t like him, but added, “The 2nd of October is a big date for the trade, and the business on this date is much bigger than regular Fridays. A business of at least Rs 70 Cr. is possible. I loved the first Kantara film, but ours is very different. The trailer has received a good response. We want audiences to come, enjoy, and have fun at the cinema. With so much stress from finances and other issues, come and relax with our film.”
Trade experts also shared their views on the Box Office clash on October 2 and the competition for screens to maximise revenue for both films. Senior trade analyst Amod Mehra said, “Exhibitors are being advised by Kantara’s distributors to give them all the shows and are reluctant to share screens with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. The South is really trying to capture the Hindi belt too.”
Girish Wankhede, who is a trade analyst and exhibitor, said, Yes, I have heard that Anil Thadani, distributor of Kantara Chapter 1, has pushed hard for maximum screens and some circuit wants over 70 per cent of the screens and scheduling up to 21 shows across a four-screen multiplex.’That level of front-loading is a clear attempt to own the opening window and translate wide availability into large weekend grosses.”
He added, “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari makers are not really into screen wars and seem confident in the film’s content and marketing rather than an all-out screen grab. Their approach looks measured but optimistic. Exhibitors often find themselves stuck in the middle and there with only limited screens, and this tension is perennial when big films battle for space and forget about regional projects and low-budget gems, often get squeezed out entirely”.
Kantara Chapter 1 is likely to get an opening of Rs 40cr, and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari at 10cr, but trade expert Ramesh Bala feels that the fight for screens is only going to be the first week, and after that, it will be on merit, and hopes all these issues will iron out.