The nation is in the throes of the devastating second wave of Covid-19. Cinemas are shut all across the country. Long-completed films, both Hindi and South, have postponed their theatrical release dates and are wondering how to tide over their mounting losses.
Some are exploring the option of releasing their films directly on OTT. Malayalam films, Irul and Joji, Hindi films Toofaan and Sherni, Telugu films Thank You Brother and Cinema Bandi, among others, gave in to the option and released or will release on various OTT platforms.
Come to think of it, even Salman Khan had to go in for a digital – theatrical hybrid release for his Eid film, Radhe. The star had famously declared that “he comes only on the big screen and not on the small screen”.
Taking cue from Radhe, even Bollywood biggie Sooryavanshi is reportedly in talks to opt for a hybrid release.
Despite the uncertainty, however, there are some films that, no matter what, will only release on the big screen. Their respective filmmakers and producers have said it time and again – no direct release on OTT for them!
These are them –
Kannada film KGF Chapter 2 is meant to be a big-screen spectacle. KGF 1 was a monstrous hit. Lead star Yash has a massive fan following. Sanjay Dutt as primary protagonist is icing on the cake. No sire, KGF Chapter 2 is simply not releasing on OTT!
RRR –
S S Rajamouli’s Telugu period drama, RRR, has a striking ensemble cast of Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, besides a host of foreign actors. The story is invigorating and compelling. Jr NTR has promised that it will release only in theatres, and we believe him.
83 –
Kabir Khan’s labour of love on India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup win is a story that can only be enjoyed on the big screen. The moment when the Indian cricket team wins the final match, and lifts the trophy – that goosebumps-inducing moment – imagine its impact in a darkened cinema hall, you surrounded by other, equally awed, cheering Indians! Yep, only for the big screen!
Valimai –
Ajith Kumar’s fan base is legendary. The actor with the eye-popping fan following enjoys such adulation as never seen before. His upcoming action thriller Valimai features high-octane racing scenes and heart-thumping action sequences. Will those sequences have the same impact if watched on the small screen? No way!
Marakkar: Lion Of The Arabian Sea–
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s epic war drama Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is a story tailor-made for enjoying on the big screen. It tells the historic tale of legendary warrior Kunjali Marakkar IV and his epic warfare against the Portuguese. We say it again: only for the big screen!
Khiladi –
Ravi Teja in a double role, in an all-out action thriller – now that’s a spectacle worth watching. Mischief-makers had started off a rumour that the film will release on OTT. But Ravi Teja and the filmmakers have rubbished the rumours. Only a theatrical release for Khiladi!
Ever since Baahubali’ss breathtaking success, Prabhas has become one of the biggest stars of today’s times. Watching him in a romantic drama will be a dream come true for fans. Fan-boys and fan-girls, Radhe Shyam will release only in the theatres!
Malik –
Fahadh Faasil’s political thriller film is gripping, fascinating and must be enjoyed in a darkened cinema hall in pin drop silence and your undivided attention. The actor has promised that the film will release only in theatres.
Yash Raj Films entire slate of films –
Yash Raj Films (YRF) is the only film studio that has steadfastly stood by its decision to release its films only in the theatres. Hence, all its films will only release in theatres. It has already released the first, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar in theatres in March. Here are the remaining –
The spiritual sequel to Bunty Aur Babli, the film stars Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Sidhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh. It has been directed by Varun V. Sharma
The period drama stars Ranbir Kapoor in a double role, with Vaani Kapoor as a dancer and Sanjay Dutt portraying the antagonist. It has been directed by Karan Malhotra
The social comedy stars Ranveer Singh in the titular lead role, along with Shalini Pandey making her Hindi film debut, and Boman Irani & Ratna Pathak Shah in crucial roles. It is directed by Divyang Thakkar.
And the last –
It is based on the life of Rajasthani warrior, Prithviraj Chauhan. It features Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj, while Manushi Chhillar makes her Hindi film debut. Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar make up the rest of the cast. The film is directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi.