Vinaya Deshpande CNN-News18

Updated on: January 4, 2019, 7:48 PM IST

January 4, 2019, 7:48 PM IST FOLLOW US ON: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Thackeray, based on the life of Shiv Sena founder, late Bal Thackeray, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons-- ever since its trailer was released. Recently, a local Shiv Sena leader said that no other movie would be allowed to clash with the biopic set to release on January 25, demanding other producers and directors to change the release dates of their films, so that Thackeray gets a clear release.

As a result, Emraan Hashmi-starrer Cheat India, which was earlier scheduled to release on the same day as Thackeray, will now reportedly open in theatres on January 18.


During an event in Mumbai when Aamir Khan was asked about it, the actor said no producer would want his film to clash with Thackeray as "there is no bigger star in Maharashtra than Balasaheb."

"Every producer wants to release his or her film on a special date. At the same time, they make sure that their films don't clash with any other big film. I believe that there is no bigger star in Maharashtra than Balasaheb. So, there should be no surprise if the release dates of other movies have been shifted."


"Everybody wants to watch his film in Maharashtra so it's obvious that no producer would want his or her film to clash with his (Bal Thackeray) film," Aamir added.

On the other hand, Kangana Ranaut's Manikarnika stays put on January 25. Sources close to the film say that there is no decision about shifting the release date so far.


The Republic Day weekend was supposed to be a packed one at the box office, with as many as 4 films big releases planned initially. While Hrithik Roshan's Super 30 got postponed months ago, the talk about changing dates of Cheat India and Manikarnika arose after Thackeray entered the scene.

Thackeray, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the late Shiv Sena chief, is written and produced by Sanjay Raut.

Follow @news18movies for more