NEXT CHANGE: ON AN OTT PLATFORM!
With no clarity on reopening of theatres, a large number of films are set to take the digital route
It’s no secret that Covid-19 has hit the economy hard. But one sector seems to have bucked the trend and is actually flourishing – the OTT sale [of Hindi films] in India. With theatres closed since March-end, many Bollywood films have gone straight to streaming platforms. The ‘official’ list includes Gulabo Sitabo, Shakuntala Devi, Dil Bechara, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and Ghoomketu.
But a handful of films such as Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar and the Kabir Khan-directed ’83 featuring Ranveer Singh are still sticking to the ‘70mm first’ policy. “Sure, these are difficult times, but certain films deserve the big screen experience. However, this is not to say that we are against the OTT culture. As far as Sooryavanshi and ’83 are concerned, we’re ready to wait till the end of the year. If things aren’t better by then, we will see what to do. Every one of us – Ranveer, Akshay, the directors – are on the same page,” says Shibasish Sarkar, group chief executive officer, content, digital and gaming, Reliance Entertainment.
Other films unlikely to go the OTT way for now include Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, Coolie No. 1, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Bunty Aur Babli 2, Brahmastra and Maidaan. “Right now the box office may be zero, but I strongly feel the charm of the big screen isn’t going anywhere. There may be a pause but I’m sure the theatre business will be back with a bang,” contends exhibitordistributor Akshaye Rathi.
Meanwhile, there’s a long line-up of films believed to be set for an OTT premiere. And it includes Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb, Ajay Devgn-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India, The Big Bull, Sadak 2, Khuda Haafiz and Lootcase. Some others that may also hit OTT screens first are Chhalaang, Ludo, Jhund, Khaali Peeli, Mimi, Indoo Ki Jawani, Roohi Afzana and Shershaah.
While Sadak 2 producer Mukesh Bhatt feels he is “compelled” to go on a digital platform first as that’s the “best I can do to survive”, Maidaan maker Boney Kapoor says, “OTT platforms can be a big blessing [for producers whose films are ready] as they can easily recover their investments.” Trade analyst Taran Adarsh explains: “This is just a phase, it shall pass too. How long can a producer wait especially if it’s not clear when cinema halls will open again? Having said that, the magic of the big screen will never fade. So, let’s not lose hope.”
Kapoor adds, “In the long run, there will be enough and more content once theatres reopen.”