Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 10, 2018)

After several delays, John Abraham’s film based on India’s 1998 nuclear bomb test explosions, Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran, was slated to release on April 6. However, buzz in trade circles suggests that the release may be postponed further owing to the creative squabbles between the film’s producers. A trade insider reveals, “We’ve heard that there have been difference of opinions between the producers over the promotional strategy of the film. The VFX too needs fine-tuning, which is delaying the film further.”

Prernaa Arora, one of the co-producers of the Diana Penty-starrer, rubbishes rumours of all not being well between Abraham, Zee Studios and her production house. Instead, she says that the makers are contemplating deferring Parmanu’s release to avoid a clash with Irrfan Khan’s black comedy, Blackmail. “There’s no problem between the producers. It’s true that we are looking at a new release date. We’ve been looking at options. Apparently, Blackmail is slated for release on the same day and we want to avoid a clash. Our production Pari hit screens last week, so we want to take some time before our next project is up for release.” She adds that the final decision will be taken early next week.

The trade source, on his part, insists that the film is likely to hit the marquee on May 11. “The makers are planning to coincide the release with the Pokhran test’s anniversary.”