Every year, the occasion of August 15th witnesses a clash of major films at the box office. This year, two powerful films are set to release on August 14th—one starring Emraan Hashmi and the other featuring Sunny Deol. Bookings for both films have already commenced, offering a glimpse into the kind of response they are garnering and helping to predict which film might secure a grand opening and which might lag.

Emraan Hashmi is returning with a sequel to the 2007 cult classic *Awarapan*, while Sunny Deol is bringing a film centered on the Partition. Both films are releasing on August 14th. *Awarapan 2* promises to deliver the same signature style, music, and themes of revenge, whereas Sunny Deol is bringing *Batwara 1947* to the screen, featuring a cast that includes Preity Zinta and Karan Deol. Bookings for both films are already underway.

**Advance Booking for *Awarapan 2***
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, data up to 9 PM on August 11th indicates that approximately 68,000 tickets have been sold for *Awarapan 2*, amounting to sales worth ₹2.2 crore. Notably, only 18,000 tickets had been sold by Tuesday morning; however, audience interest surged by the evening, resulting in the sale of around 50,000 tickets. With two days still remaining until the release, a further spike in bookings is anticipated, and the film is expected to easily cross the 1-lakh ticket mark.

**Advance Booking for *Batwara 1947***
Now, let’s look at *Batwara 1947*, starring Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, and Preity Zinta. Currently, this film—produced by Aamir Khan—is trailing behind Emraan Hashmi's film in terms of bookings. By the morning of August 11, only 9,200 tickets had been sold for *Bantwara 1947*. However, by 9 PM, that figure had risen to 37,600. This indicates that *Awarapan 2* is currently leading over the Sunny Deol film.

**For whom will August 14 prove lucky?**
The race isn't decided by a single day's advance booking figures alone. Both films still have two days of advance booking remaining. Success will also depend on spot bookings and word-of-mouth publicity. Both movies boast strong star casts and their own unique strengths. It remains to be seen for whom the date of August 14 proves lucky.

**Another hurdle**
It is reported that advance bookings for *Bantwara 1947* and *Awarapan 2* have not yet fully commenced. There is currently some confusion among certain theaters regarding the scheduling and number of shows to be screened. Consequently, ticket bookings have not yet started at single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen cinemas. Once this issue is resolved, both films are likely to benefit.

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