It isn't official as yet but cinegoers, producers and multiplex owners can finally heave a sigh of relief. The ongoing impasse between the multiplex owners and producers is finally over. The final formalities are being ironed out before an official announcement is made by the two warring parties.

The impasse has been on for almost two months and it has dealt a crippling blow to the industry and the theatres owners. Besides these two major bodies, there have been several other casualties in this war and with truce being finally called, they too will heave a sigh of relief. It will soon be business as usual for all. But once the terms of the agreement are announced, it would be prudent to look at the overall balance sheet of losses and gains. The year did not start off in the best of ways for the industry with big films like Billu Barber, 8x10 Tasveer and Chandni Chowk To China failing to make a dent at the box office. In fact, it was last year's biggies, Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi which continued their good run into the new year. And then there was the strike, which further multiplied the losses. According to trade analysts, the losses are being pegged at a staggering Rs 350 crore. With a slew of films waiting to be released over the next few months, there is bound to be a further undercutting of profits with films eating into each other's market share. The industry has the next six months to get back on its feet and make good its losses as well as the losses incurred by the multiplexes and other associated industries. Once the agreement between the two parties has been spelt out officially, it would be wise to look at who was the real winner in this war, which has just concluded.