MUMBAI: Producers and distributors have decided to suspend the screening of all new movies in multiplexes from 4 April until the business model shifts to an equal revenue share.

The movement is supported by Yash Chopra, Ramesh Sippy, Mukesh Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt, amongst others.

Producers and distributors have long been demanding an equal share in revenue for films that hit multiplexes on a weekly basis. The demand also stands regardless of the star cast and the budget that a film supports.

"We spent millions of rupees for making and distributing a movie. The risk is also humungous. Multiplexes just have to release the film and they earn revenue from various sources like canteen, parking, and advertisers among others. Even then, they have been demanding more revenue share," Mukesh Bhatt told reporters.

If a film holds a good star cast and stands on a big budget, distributors get a 48 per cent share in revenue across all regions in India. In Gujarat, however, distributors receive a 45 per cent share.