THALAIVII ROW: NDUSTRY DIVIDED OVER TWO-WEEK GAP DEMAND
heatres are just about getting back on their feet, but they are in no mood to accept a two-week gap between the OTT and big en release of actor Kangana aut’s Thalaivii. While Telugu Tamil versions of the film have a four-week window before they release on OTT, the Hindi version does not. And this decision of the multiplexes hasn’t gone down too well with Ranaut, who even took to social media to share her angst.
The industry, however, seems divided over the matter. While multiplex owners say a two-week gap won’t do them much good, trade analysts believe makers are not wrong about their decision.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta says, “Producers are right. The film sells 20-25% more (depending on many factors) if they release it sooner on OTT. In two weeks, they’ll get more than what they will in four weeks. Theatre owners, on the other hand, have signed four-week window agreements with big production houses, they can’t jeopardise that.”
Echoing this sentiment, trade analyst Atul Mohan points out that no film makes money beyond two weeks. “It’s the first weekend, first week and next weekend that matter. Makers could have taken a direct-to-ott release, but they are still releasing in theatres to help them out. Of course, multiplexes feel why will anyone come to watch if they know it will release online in two weeks. But, how many people have access to OTT platforms in tier I and II cities?” he reasons.
But, multiplex owners insist a two-week gap is not profitable. “It is important to respect the window theatres get. Before Covid-19, it was eight weeks. It’s been reduced to four weeks till the time the industry settles. We want to play the Hindi version of the film, as we know the audience is also waiting for it. But, we cannot accept the two-week window. We will play the Tamil and Telugu versions in theatres till this is resolved,” says Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India.
This issue is being discussed at length as it’s about more than just this film, opines Kunal Sawhney, COO, Carnival Cinemas. “Once you allow a two-week window for one film, it’ll happen for others as well. We want to bring films to cinemas, but we need to safeguard ourselves as well,” he reasons, adding, “We have not decided if we will play it or not, as of now.”