Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 16, 2015)

Aanand Rai’s Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the eagerly awaited sequel to Tanu Weds Manu will now jump the queue to release on May 22 instead of June 12. The pre-ponement, masterminded by the film’s producers Eros International, is attributed to the looming shadow of Zoya Akhtar’s multi-starrer Dil Dhadakne Do which opens on June 5.

Aanand Rai, who is rushing against time to complete the film says it’s entirely the producers’ call. “I think Eros has a packed year in 2015. They are also the overseas distributors of Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do which opens on June 5. So they probably wanted to avoid any clash of interest. I am okay with the pre-ponement. It is just that we have to work faster to meet the new deadline.”

Eros’ spokesperson says, “The film is progressing well and will be ready in time for the May 22 release. The preponement gives a clean two-week release window. Hence we decided to advance the release by a week.”

The spokesperson admits the preponement suits Eros’ release strategy. “Dil Dhadakne Do releases on June 5 and we are releasing it overseas. We were not clashing with Tanu Weds Manu Returns. Earlier too there was a one-week gap. The longer gap works well for both films.”