Pre-Ayodhya verdict affect: 'Aakrosh' release delayed

Ahead of Friday's verdict on Ayodhya, Bollywood is treading cautiously and the release of two major films have been rescheduled.

The producers, it seems, do not want to take a risk by releasing their films during the week.

After the release date of Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra-starrer Anjaana Anjaani was postponed till October 1, filmmaker Priyadarshan too has decided to delay the release of his Aakrosh by a week.

The film will now hit theatres on October 8, thus avoiding the clash with Sajid Nadiadwala's movie.

"The Ayodhya verdict issue is likely to affect most of the Bollywood releases, not just Aakrosh. Other films are also going to delay their releases by at least a week. Also we did not want to clash with Anjaana Anjaani," Priyadarshan told reporters New Delhi.

The film, starring Ajay Devgn and Akshay Khanna, is on the issue of honour-killing, which has been dominating newspaper headlines for some time.

Devgn and Khanna also appealed to the public to maintain peace and respect the court verdict.

Earlier, producer Nadiadwala postponed the release of Anjaana Anjaani after the film's lead pair Ranbir and Priyanka voiced their concern.

Nadiadwala said initially he was of the opinion that the release should be according to the schedule.

"There is no denying the fact that the Ayodhya issue is much bigger and needs respect. Ranbir had addressed the issue with me and Eros and we gave it a thought. Ranbir is of course one of the most looked-upon youth icons of our time and his point was a much sensitised and a valid one."

After having discussed this with Eros, we have decided to release the film on October 1, he said.

"It is an important day for the country. I hope there is no dispute and the decision is favourable to all. Audiences may not be able to go watch the film on that day," Ranbir had said.

According to trade experts in the industry, the delay in releases will affect Bollywood throughout the year.

Many small films, who were looking for a normal release will have to adjust their dates so that they don't clash with the big banners, they said.