As fast as the wave of OTT grabbed attention of every filmmaker and director, it seems that post the release of Master everyone is getting back to their old ways in the same speed. OTT platforms grabbed a major chunk of movie release last year and earned in huge numbers. Infact, OTTs were in the contention of replacing the theatres at one point of time. But as we entered in 2021, we witnessed the slow but gradual change in the lifestyle of people. With the vaccines starting to be administered and movies arriving on theatres, it seems that 2021 might not be similar to 2020.
After the release of Master, which garnered a huge response from the audience despite the 50% occupancy norm, there was a significant change in the behaviour of trade experts and filmmakers. A sense of hope and belief that cinema halls have finally found their groove. Another good news for all these movies came when the government allowed a full 100% occupancy in the theatres. This worked as a ultimate catalyst for the movies as several of them decided to ditch the OTT platforms to grace silver screens.
The top of the list is Vishal’s ‘Chakra’ which had a troubled 2020. With the movie getting into troubled legal waters to the speculations of it arriving on OTT platform and whatnot. But with the new year, ‘Chakra’ and it’s makers decided to take a leap of faith and announced a theatrical release for the long awaited movie with the release date being set to February 19th 2021.
Another movie which was tottering around the OTT window was the Tamil anthology – ‘Kutti Story’ which also stars Vijay Sethupathi. The romantic anthology movie was originally conceived as an OTT project but now, the makers have considered to release the movie on Valentine’s week in theatres. The release date is set to February 12th 2021.
Gautham Menon, Venkat Prabhu, Vijay, and Nalan Kumarasamy are the four directors of ‘Kutti Story’.
Akshay Kumar’s Bell Bottom was also in talks for OTT release but the makers came forward and denied the rumours. Producer Nikhil Advani also stated that the movie will arrive only in theatres. Also Dhanush’s Jagame Thandiram is currently in the limelight for the makers’ decision to release the movie directly on Netflix. Dhanush has expressed that he would like the movie to release in theatres instead of OTT. Everyday a new story comes out regarding the movie and let’s hope the makers finally come to a conclusion.
The Telugu language thriller Zombie Reddy was also in talks regarding OTT release, but the makers held firm and finally announced a theatrical release for the first ever Telugu zombie movie. The movie is partially based on the COVID-19 pandemic. Zombie Reddy to release on 5th February 2021.
This is just the start it seems as of now. It will be very interesting to see if the OTT fever of the filmmakers have finally subsided, seeing the resurgence of their beloved cinema halls. And also how the streaming platforms retaliate to gain back viewers.
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