The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala after much anticipation has finally announced their decision regarding the time gap to be followed by makers between the film’s theatrical release and its OTT release. The body has decided on a time gap of at least 42 days.
The decision is to be applicable from January 1 onwards. While the issue has reportedly been under consideration for some time, it was the relatively early release of ‘Drishyam’ director Jeethu Joseph’s ‘Kooman’ on the OTT platform that has reignited the discussion. The mystery thriller film was released in theatres on November 4 by Listin Stephen’s Magic Frames and had its OTT debut on Prime Video on December 2, with just a 28-day gap.
K Vijayakumar, the president of FEUOK Says-“We have decided not to cooperate with the crew members of the movies which will be screened in OTT platforms before completing 42 days in theatres…”We will not cooperate with the producers, actors, or directors of these movies. They can screen these movies on OTT platforms only after 42 days in theatres.”
An increase in the gap is also expected to affect the digital rights price of the movies in small measure. Unlike the 28 days gap, the 42 days gap would mean reduced buzz around the film, unless, of course, it’s a huge theatrical success.
Vijayakumar also announced the dispute between the distributors of ‘Avatar 2: The Way Of Water’ and the theatre owners. It was revealed that the theatre owners have agreed to give a 55% collection share for the first 2 weeks, with the release to go on hassle-free. One of the biggest movies ever made, the news would be a welcome one to fans who were left confused when the news came that the movie has run into dispute regarding its release.
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