Why should producers be deprived of a good deal, asks Madhur
As the OTT versus theatre debate gathers steam with producers opting for digital release as opposed to theatrical, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar feels that both sides need to lend an ear to each other instead of standing at loggerheads.
He says, “All these movies that have been officially announced to come on the web, were made for theatres. OTT is a second option for producers. Amid this Covid-19 pandemic, everything is in a limbo. There are films that are ready, but theatres aren’t open. Producers have to take a call now.”
Bhandarkar calls this a global phenomenon and points out that even major Hollywood production houses are opting for digital or video on demand release given the situation. “So, why should producers be deprived of a good deal,” he asks, and continues, “There is so much of uncertainty and producers don’t want their film to get stale.”
The 51-year-old filmmaker, however, doesn’t deny that every filmmaker dreams to get a theatrical release and doesn’t want to see someone watching their film on a mobile phone or laptop.
“But producers have invested so much in the film. They take loans, and the delay in release would mean piling up of the interest. If they’re getting a reasonable price and have calculated the risks, then it’s fine to opt for web,” he says.
Having said that, Bhandarkar sympathises with theatre owners, too, as he feels every theatre owner wants films with big stars to release on the big screen. “They’re bleeding as well. But, some producers don’t have holding power, so you’ve to look at it in a holistic manner. You can’t say that ‘bech di picture’. The magic of big screen will be there. OTT platforms and theatres have been coexisting for the last three years, so why not now?” he asks.