Jersey release postponed

Will other films follow suit?

IN VIEW OF THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEW COVID GUIDELINES, WE HAVE DECIDED TO POSTPONE THE THEATRICAL RELEASE OF OUR FILM JERSEY. UNTIL THEN EVERYONE PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY, AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR AHEAD!” THE JERSEY TEAM SAID IN A STATEMENT.

The release of the film Jersey starring Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur and Pankaj Kapur, slotted for 31 December, has been postponed. The makers took the decision in view of the increasing cases of coronavirus and the threat of the Omicron variant looming large over the country.

No fresh date has been announced.

Stopping of night and latenight shows in Maharashtra, which contribute over 50 per cent of the total revenue, and the shutting of cinema halls in Delhi, both single screens and multiplexes, have been huge blows to the film industry, as good box office recoveries are doubtful in the given scenario. Jersey’s producers — Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, Naga Vamsi and Aman Gill — took the decision to postpone the release along with director Gowtam Tinnauri, after consulting everyone else involved. “In view of the current circumstances and new Covid guidelines, we have decided to postpone the theatrical release of our film Jersey. Until then everyone please stay safe and healthy, and wish you all the best for the new year ahead!” the Jersey team said in a statement.

The new release date will be announced only after assessing the situation.

A lot of other films, including RRR, are also slated for release in the next few weeks. How things will pan out for them is a matter of conjecture — producers are expected to take a call at the earliest.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Jersey may skip a theatrical release and appear on an OTT platform, but that remains a rumour so far.