The year 2024 has been full of re-releases and many old films that are filled with nostalgia have been re-released and are gathering significant attention. There have been films that went flop at the time of their release and later gained a good following turning into cult-classics. When released again, these films went on to become box office successes.
But in the meantime, many films that were successful initially, or have been average throughout the course were re-released as well. They are being run in most of the major theatres of the cities. A recent example is Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani that was released as a commercial success thanks to the big star-cast it hailed. The film has now been re-released and now it is being run in most of the major screens in the country.
The re-releases are occupying the major screens in the countries which is becoming a problem for the new titles that are releasing. Especially the films that don’t have a huge budget or popular stars, they already find it difficult to get screened in major theatres. When re-releases are added to it, their chance is further reduced.
Many films that are artistic and experimental in genre and plot, find it difficult to get a good audience due to the same reason. Yesterday, the winner of 55 national and international awards Navras Katha Collage was released. The film is purely based on its artistic appeal and the amazing and visionary acting and direction of Praveen Hingonia. The film, despite all its merits, could only secure four to five screens in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai. Whereas the re-releases are getting more than double the exposure.
Hence, at least the number of re-releases need to be lessened in order to create opportunities for upcoming good films. The films that were already successful in their original release, need not be released just to make money. Instead, opportunities for new films should be provided to encourage new filmmakers to make better cinema in future.