Bharati Dubey | TNN (The Times of India {Mumbai}; May 15, 2009)

Mumbai: The ice has started to thaw on both sides and it may not be too long before you can queue up for movie tickets at your favourite multiplex.

On Thursday, multiplex representatives, armed with a positive attitude and a new formula, came to meet the United Forum—a body of distributers and producers—to resolve the revenue sharing stalemate. “Multiplexes came in with a will to resolve the issue as soon as possible. They also showed concern for producerdistributors who have also been losing money since the stand-off began,’’ a source said.

According to a source, the revised revenue sharing model suggested by the multiplexes offers a 50-42.5- 32.5 ratio to producers in the first three weeks of release. “On Thursday, both parties worked really hard, trying to chalk out a formula that will help both of them,’’ the source added.

This is a welcome change after last time’s meeting where multiplexes refused to budge from their stand of revenue sharing. The situation had come to such an end that producers had decided to release films in single screens, irrespective of the stand-off. Producer Vashu Bhagnani said, “Whether the issue is resolved or not, I will release my film in single screens on May 29.’’ Producer Anupam Mittal will release his film 99 on May 15 in both multiplexes as well as in single screens.

Thursday’s meeting wasn’t without its share of controversy. A source says one of the main reasons for things looking up was that “trouble-makers from both parties were kept out of the meeting’’. While the producer lobby was okay with the 50-42.5-32.5 model, multiplexes still feel the third week amount is more than they would like to offer, the source said. Initially, the UF had demanded a 50-45-30 revenue sharing ratio from multiplexes.

UF chairman Mukesh Bhatt seemed optimistic. “We have made good progress and hope for a solution soon,’’ he said.