CINEMA GETS MUCH-AWAITED GREEN SIGNAL, FILMS TO RELEASE SOON
With cinemas reopening in Maharashtra from October 22, the film industry is all set to light up some sparks at the box office.
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has already announced the arrival of the Akshay Kumar-starrer Sooryavanshi on Diwali. The film that has been awaiting release since March 2020 will fight it out at the box office with Marvel’s superheroes from Eternals and Rajinikanth’s Annaatthe.
“It’ll be a big-screen Diwali. The industry needs this revival,” shares producer Anand Pandit, while producer Amar Butala points out, “Sooryavanshi’s release will ensure this year ends on a positive note for Bollywood.”
According to trade experts, it will be “first in, first out format”, with films that are ready for a long time open in theatres first. “With so much backlog, at least two films will release every week,” notes trade expert Komal Nahta. There’s a growing sentiment in filmmakers to stand in solidarity with Shetty and not release their films alongside his. Producer Girish Johar says, “The team has waited patiently and the film has all it takes to revive the box-office.” For some, avoiding clashes for the next six months is a strategic move. “Or else it’ll only divide the audience in the theatres, when many are still running with 50% occupancy,” asserts expert Atul Mohan.
But sharing a different view, trade expert Joginder Tuteja opines, “I don’t think anyone with ₹50 crore stuck will want to wait.” Director Anees Bazmee agrees and says, “Normally, clashes should be avoided, but people are desperate to release their films now. They will try to make the most of Diwali.” Theatre owners are breathing a sigh of relief after months. Manoj Desai, executive director of Mumbai’s G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir, says, “We’re waiting to hear for the safety protocols, and raring to go.”