Are the national multiplex chains justified in refusing to screen Thalaivii this week because the producers would be premiering it digitally after two weeks of theatrical release instead of four weeks, as desired by the chains?
– The three national multiplex chains (PVR, Inox and Cinepolis) had their reason to refuse THALAIVII. They had already signed contracts with some leading Bollywood producers for the screening of their forthcoming films in these extraordinary times, and those deals provided for a four-week exclusive theatrical window. By releasing THALAIVII (with a two-week exclusive window), they would be risking their contracts with such producers as those producers would also probably insist on a two-week window instead of the agreed four-week exclusive window.
How is it that Hollywood studios are already announcing release dates of their films while Bollywood producers are still waiting and watching?
– For Hollywood studios, India is not the primary market, but for Bollywood producers, India is primary. Without cinemas in Maharashtra reopening, producers of big-ticket films can’t risk releasing them in cinemas. Some are even waiting for cinemas to function at 100% capacity all over India.
The digital premiere of Tips’ Bhoot Police was scheduled for 17th September. How was the date changed to 10th September?
– Tips felt, the film’s promotion was at its peak and it, therefore, requested Disney+ Hotstar to advance the release by a week. Besides, the producers wanted to take advantage of the Ganpati festival period as various state governments are urging people to do online darshan of Lord Ganesh. This would mean that people would be forced to stay at home during the festival period, at least on Ganesh Chaturthi (today, September 10). For OTT release, a holiday on which people don’t go out is the best.