As the Unlock 5 comes up with the announcement of opening of the theatres to release film with 50 percent occupancy, we have seen something interesting coming from the theatre owners. The owners are not interested in releasing the films released earlier on the OTT platforms. The multiplex chains have clearly informed the makers of the films released on OTT that they would not be showcasing their films. They said very clearly that they cannot have their cake and eat it too.
They asked the makers to make a clear choice between the OTT and theatrical release for their films. They said that they would prefer to re-release the films which have suffered due to COVID 19, which include Baaghi 3 and Angrezi Medium for example. They said that the makers of the films who were impatient to release their films on the OTT cannot think of releasing the same in the theatres. Talking about the same, the CEO of a known multiplex chain said that they now feel that it’s time to teach the erring producers a lesson.
He went on to say that they will blacklist the film producers who have chosen OTT platform to release their film. However, this may be a farfetched dream and myopic. He said that one has to be sure about how things would be sorted out soon. Talking about the issue, the trade expert Mr. Girish Johar claims that the cinema exhibitors have all the rights to secure their own interests. However, he also feels that the multiplexes have their own challenge since they have to retain the confidence of the audience.
