Shot in the dark: Ego clash between top producer and A-list actor?

The coming year will see many a box office battle - after all, not everyone is lucky to get a solo release window. But trust this feisty producer to take on competition head on, especially if there are old scores to settle. That's precisely why an upcoming film that the person has funded will release on the same day as a leading star's much-anticipated film.

Says a source, "The producer and the actor worked on a common project, but just days before it hit theatres, they had a major fall out over differences regarding the film's marketing. A few years down the line when it was time to pick a release date for an upcoming film, the producer decided to clash with the actor's next so that the screens and shows are divided."

The trailer of both films, belonging to starkly different genres, have evoked a mixed response among movie buffs and industry folk. "The two films will cater to diverse segments of the audience, but their individual box office collections will, no doubt, be affected. But the producer wants to take the risk and believes everything is fair in love and war," adds the source.