New Delhi: Major production houses frequently aim to secure festive release dates to maximize their earnings. A notable instance occurred in 2012 when a significant screen allocation dispute arose between Shah Rukh Khan’s film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, produced by Yash Raj Films, and Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar.
As they marked thirteen years since their release on November 13, 2025, the controversy surrounding Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar has come back into focus.
Ajay Devgn contended that his aim was to secure a “fair fight” after filing a legal complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), alleging favoritism in screen distribution. His company, Ajay Devgn Films, claimed that YR Films leveraged its dominant market position to obtain a greater share of single-screen theaters for JTHJ, thereby limiting availability for Son of Sardaar. Devgn highlighted that his grievance was lodged before the passing of Yash Chopra on October 21, expressing concern that he would be perceived negatively for pursuing legal action.
In a statement to the Press Trust of India, Devgn remarked, “I had filed the complaint much before the demise of Yash Chopra. When this happened, I felt that people would target me and no one would understand my perspective… I was a villain on both sides.” He further stated that withdrawing the notice from the Competition Commission was not possible, as it is a distinct legal process.
Despite the tension, Devgn conveyed his admiration for Chopra, saying, “I respected Yashji as much as anyone else does. We have grown up watching his films.” He accused YRF of pressuring exhibitors to allocate more screens for JTHJ, which was set to release alongside his film, insisting that he was only fighting for equity.
“I am fighting for my right. I am not asking anyone to stop the release of a film, nor am I seeking compensation; I am simply asking for fairness,” he asserted. Furthermore, he expressed hope for an amicable resolution, stating, “I have addressed my grievances. I don’t have issues with anyone. If this matter is resolved, we will all be one big family… I will not hold any grudges.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s Response to the Controversy
In response to the dispute regarding the screen allocation between Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar, Shah Rukh Khan characterized the situation as “silly and strange.” He emphasized that the film industry operates within a free market and stressed that it is not a monopoly.
Khan told PTI, “Instead of feeling disheartened, it is silly; it is not just right. I don’t know how it will be resolved. Is someone going to tell me not to release my film on Friday?” Despite the conflict, he maintained an optimistic outlook for both productions, stating, “The film is coming out; let’s hope for each other’s success. I believe both movies will do well.”
