1 November 2015
Star Studios, Mumbai
Post-production was finally complete.
Krishna sat on the sofa alongside Prashanth Neel and Manoj inside Star Studio's private conference room. The atmosphere was calm—but heavy with anticipation.
Manoj broke the silence.
"Krishna, post-production is done.
Now you decide—when do we release the film?"
Krishna leaned back, thoughtful.
"Tell me first," he said calmly.
"Shah Rukh and Ranveer—what dates are their films releasing?"
"18 December," Manoj replied.
Krishna smiled faintly.
"Good.
K.G.F: Chapter 1 will release on 18 December 2015—the same day."
Manoj nodded without hesitation.
Prashanth Neel smiled, fully understanding the weight of that decision.
"What about screens?" Krishna asked.
"India and Pan-Asia?"
Manoj replied confidently:
"All major screens are already secured.
We controlled the distribution early, paid advances, and locked theatres.
Even if Dilwale or Bajirao Mastani perform well—
they won't get more screens than K.G.F."
Krishna nodded.
"Good."
Prashanth Neel added:
"The teaser is ready.
We'll release it this week.
No story reveal—only mood, power, and fear.
Social media and news will explode."
"Perfect," Krishna said.
"Lock the trailer date.
We're ready."
The meeting ended.
Krishna Villa – Night
Krishna had barely reached home when his phone rang.
Shraddha.
"How are you, baby?
I missed you so much."
Krishna smiled.
"Me too.
Release date is locked."
"Tell me."
"18 December."
Shraddha laughed softly.
"Same day as Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani?
Not a problem for us—
it's a problem for them."
Her confidence wasn't blind.
She knew Krishna's fanbase was on another level now.
They spoke for a while, shared small moments, then said goodnight.
Krishna finally slept—after weeks of sleepless post-production nights.
Media & Social Media Explosion
The next morning, chaos erupted.
"BREAKING: Krishna's K.G.F: Chapter 1 trailer and release date locked—18 December!"
"Three giants. One date.
K.G.F vs Dilwale vs Bajirao Mastani."
"Can Krishna destroy the box office again?"
"December 18 becomes the biggest clash in Indian cinema history."
Every news channel.
Every film page.
Every fan account.
Only one topic dominated the internet.
Dilwale Camp – Crisis Mode
Inside Rohit Shetty's office, tension was visible.
"Shah Rukh," Rohit said worriedly,
"Bajirao Mastani was already competition…
but now Krishna is releasing the same day.
That's a real problem."
Shah Rukh remained silent, composed.
"The film won't move," he finally said.
"We've invested too much.
Do what you can with screens."
Rohit tried.
He called theatre owners across India.
Every response was the same.
"If we don't screen Krishna's film,
audiences will go to another theatre."
"Krishna's films run longer and earn more.
We can't risk that."
"Sorry, Rohit sir."
Rohit called Shah Rukh again.
"We can't increase screens anymore."
Shah Rukh sighed softly.
"Then let's see how it goes."
Bajirao Mastani Camp – Silent Tension
Sanjay Leela Bhansali received similar news.
"Sir, theatres are reducing our screens.
K.G.F is taking priority."
Bhansali stayed quiet.
After a moment, he said:
"We're trapped.
On one side—the King of Bollywood.
On the other—the King of Indian Cinema."
He paused, thinking of Ranveer's earlier controversial statements.
"Now imagine how this ends."
Industry Fallout
Several production houses quietly shifted their December releases to January.
No one wanted to stand between three cinematic storms.
December 18 was no longer a release date.
It was a war date.
And millions of fans were waiting.
18 December 2015
Mumbai, Juhu – Krishna Villa
Morning sunlight filtered into the hall as Krishna sat silently in front of the television.
He wasn't nervous.
He wasn't excited.
He was watching.
Watching how the world reacted to Rocky.
Across India – Theatres Overflowing
Reporters rushed between packed cinemas.
Reporter: "How did you like K.G.F: Chapter 1?"
Audience:
"How can a Krishna film ever disappoint?"
"Rocking Rocky—pure fire!"
"The action scenes are on another level!"
"This is not just a movie—it's an experience."
"Shraddha's role is short, but her presence leaves a huge impact."
"Best action film of Indian cinema!"
Cheering crowds.
Houseful boards.
Standing ovations.
Krishna Villa
Krishna leaned back on the sofa, a rare smile on his face.
At that moment, his phone rang.
Shraddha.
"How's my hero feeling?"
"Peaceful," Krishna replied.
"Public loved it."
"Good.
After the box office settles, we'll travel abroad.
No media. No noise."
Krishna smiled.
"Before that, I'll come to your house.
We'll talk to your family."
There was a brief silence.
Then—
"Okay," Shraddha said softly.
"I'm ready."
Both of them were.
Manoj Joins Krishna
Manoj entered the hall and sat beside him.
"How's everything going?"
"Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani are struggling," Manoj replied.
"Not enough screens."
Krishna nodded calmly.
"If they get more screens, we lose revenue.
Business is business."
"What's next?" Manoj asked.
"First—Shakti Kapoor.
I'll speak to him properly."
Manoj smiled.
"You're ready.
They'll accept you."
Other Side – Damage Control
Dilwale Camp
"Shah Rukh, we can't increase screens anymore," Rohit Shetty said.
"Then stop fighting Krishna," Shah Rukh replied calmly.
"Focus on Bajirao Mastani."
Bajirao Mastani Camp
"They're fighting us now," someone said.
Bhansali stayed silent.
He knew the truth.
This battle was already lost.
Box Office Earthquake
K.G.F: Chapter 1 – Collections
Day 1: 300 Cr
Day 2: 320 Cr
Day 3: 330 Cr
Day 4: 350 Cr
First Week: 1000 Cr
Second Week: 700 Cr
Third Week: 500 Cr
Fourth Week: 350 Cr
Fifth Week: 250 Cr
Sixth Week: 150 Cr
Seventh Week: 100 Cr
Eighth Week: 70 Cr
Ninth Week: 70 Cr
Tenth Week: 60 Cr
Eleventh Week: 30 Cr
Twelfth Week: 15 Cr
30th Week: 10 Cr
40th Week: 5 Cr
50th Week: 3 Cr
60th Week: 2 Cr
India Net: 1200 Cr
India Gross: 1300 Cr
Worldwide Collection: 3315 Cr
Verdict
ALL-TIME BLOCKBUSTER
Industry Aftermath
Bajirao Mastani
Budget: 145 Cr
Collection: 130 Cr
Verdict: Average
Dilwale
Budget: 165 Cr
Collection: 150 Cr
Verdict: Average
The audience had made its choice.
Media Headlines
"Krishna does it again."
"KGF rewrites Indian box office history."
"From Baahubali to Rocky—one man, one era."
"The undisputed King of Indian Cinema."
Closing Line
Krishna turned off the television.
Outside, the city celebrated Rocky.
Inside, Krishna prepared for his next war—
both in cinema
and in life.