Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 16, 2015)

Nothing sells like sex and the makers of upcoming erotic thriller, Hate Story 3, want to prove that. Keen to get a solo release window on December 4, they have ensured that Milap Zaveri’s Mastizaade and Mozez Singh’s Busan film festival opener Zubaan delay their entry into theatres.

Buzz is that makers of the two films were also looking at December 4 for a theatrical release. As soon as word spread, Hate Story 3 producer Bhushan Kumar apparently requested the two producers to release their films at a later date.

Says a source, “Bhushan asked them to delay the release of their films. He is keen that Hate Story 3 get a clear window. Moreover, he bought all the spots on channels for promotions. Since he also heads a music company, they refused to promote the music of other films.”

Says Mastizaade director Milap Zaveri, “Bhushan sir personally sat through the music sittings of my film with me. So, in a way, it’s almost like his own film. When he requested us to not clash with Hate Story 3, it was the least that we could do. Both films have the potential to hit bull’s eye — they will in 2015 and we, in 2016.”

Mastizaade stars Sunny Leone while Zubaan features Masaan actor Vicky Kaushal. Adds the source, “Having a Sunny Leone-starrer alongside would have led to division of business while Zubaan would attract the niche audience.”

Meanwhile, now Pan Nalin’s Angry Indian Goddesses (AIG), which was slated to hit the marquee on November 27, will now reach theatres on December 4 to avoid a clash with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone-starrer Tamasha. Says Nalin, “We will be releasing AIG on December 4. We have received fantastic reaction at film festivals. Our film will be released abroad in 2016, but we want the Indian audience to see it first.”

Bhushan remained unavailable for comment.