Ramayana effect? Godzilla Minus Zero may delay India release to avoid IMAX clash

The much-anticipated IMAX face-off between Ranbir Kapoor and Yash’s Ramayana: Part 1 and Japan’s Godzilla Minus Zero may be avoided in India, but the possibility of a release shift has raised questions about the commercial viability of the move.According to a report by 123Telugu, PVR INOX Pictures is considering postponing the monster film’s planned November 6 release to avoid a direct clash with Ramayana, which arrives in theatres on November 5. However, no official announcement confirming a change in the Indian release date has been made.The potential move comes after reports suggested that Godzilla Minus Zero could receive only limited IMAX screenings in India, with Ramayana expected to occupy most premium-format slots. As per Sacnilk, the Japanese film might get just one show a day at several IMAX properties, leaving the majority of screenings for the Indian epic. If the distributor decides to push the film to a later date, even this limited competition could disappear.However, postponing the release may not be an easy decision for the distributor. While avoiding Ramayana could help Godzilla Minus Zero get more IMAX screens, a later release could mean facing competition from other films. There is also no guarantee that more IMAX shows will be available on a new date. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus Zero follows the success of the Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One. The film is being positioned as a major theatrical spectacle and is the first Japanese production filmed for IMAX, making access to the format particularly important to its presentation.For Ramayana, meanwhile, securing premium-format screens during its opening weekend could be commercially valuable. With the film scheduled to arrive on Thursday, November 5, access to IMAX screens through the weekend could help exhibitors accommodate demand for the epic. However, Ramayana is already expected to get most IMAX shows, so moving Godzilla Minus Zero may not lead to a big increase in screenings or collections. The main advantage would be giving theatres more flexibility to schedule shows based on audience demand instead of splitting slots between the two films.For distributors, the decision involves more than avoiding a high-profile clash. A release-date change can affect marketing plans, audience awareness and the momentum built around an international rollout.Godzilla Minus Zero is scheduled to release in Japan on November 3 and North America on November 6. Moving its Indian release could create a gap between its international debut and its arrival in the country, potentially affecting the urgency among audiences to watch it in theatres.There is also no guarantee that a later date would offer better access to IMAX screens. Premium-format availability depends on competing releases, exhibitor commitments and audience demand. If another major film occupies those screens, Godzilla Minus Zero could face a similar problem after postponing its release. The distributor would therefore need to weigh the potential advantage of avoiding Ramayana against the uncertainty of securing a more favourable window later.The Indian release status remains unclear. While earlier trade reports pointed to November 6, the film’s official worldwide release calendar does not specify an Indian date.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Rise of the Legend stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Yash as Raavan, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva, among others. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5.- Ends