The decision of the Padmavati, now re-titled Padmavat, makers to release the film on January 25 has set off a storm of reactions in the trade. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial period drama has finally received a green signal from the Central Board of Film Certification and is now rushing to hit screens on January 25 to cash in on the Republic Day holiday. Of course, it will be a split box office as Akshay Kumar’s PadMan also releases on the same day and both films are bound to cut into each other’s business. The makers of PadMan had declared that they would maintain the release date of the film and not shift to avoid a clash. However, the same cannot be said of the other film which was also poised to release on January 25…

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Now Aiyaary, the Neeraj Pandey-directorial starring Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee, has decided to shift to February 9, this year. The makers have wisely decided to bow out of the scene and release the following month. This thriller, based on a real-life incident that revolves around two strong-minded army officers played by Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee, would have found it difficult to find audiences in the already crowded Republic Day battlefield.

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While PadMan’s Akshay Kumar claimed, “It is not about competition. It is a very big day, a big week, so all the films can come, both the films can release on that day. Every film has the right to release whenever they want, and I am happy for them,” the producer of Aiyaary, Jayantilal Gada revealed that they would shift the release date to avoid the possible clash.

The trade believes that with both Padmavat and PadMan boasting solid storylines, both films will perform well. As it is a holiday weekend, audiences will try to catch both the films. Of course, Padmavat will have the edge as there has additionally been intense interest in the film, which has been mired in controversy.

And after the dust of the clash settles, there will be time enough to enjoy Aiyaary, which its director described as ‘what a soldier resorts to ultimately in the face of extreme crisis... which not only bedazzles his own troop but also earns him the respect of his enemies.’