The box office collections, as well as the response of audiences to Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Master have worked as a shot in the arm of the down-in-the-dumps cinema industry. Though the collections have not been as spectacular as they would be otherwise, given the 50% occupancy rule of the government due to the pandemic, the movie is running to back-to-back sold out shows in South India, as well as worldwide.
But there’s another happy side effect of Master’s success. The response of Indian audiences who have kept aside their fears of contracting Covid-19 and have thronged theatres to watch the two South stalwarts in action on the big screens is highly encouraging. It is also just the impetus needed by Bollywood biggies to brave a theatrical release for their films . Several much-awaited films are in line to release in theatres. Sooryavanshi, 83 and Radhe are three big ticket films whose makers have decided to release their films only in theatres. Bunty Aur Babli 2, Shershah, Roohi Afzana, Satyamev Jayate 2 are some other movies that are waiting for theatres to roar back to normalcy.
The South film cinema industry seems to be firmly on the path to recovery. Not just Master, even the Telugu film, the Ravi Teja – Shruti Haasan starrer Krack has done tremendously well at the box office. It has garnered commendable ticket sales, and is running to packed houses.
But while South film enthusiasts are overjoyed at returning to the theatres to catch a film, the Hindi speaking, Bollywood fans have got nothing to be joyful about or look forward to. Filmmakers too are dejected – almost every Hindi film has flopped when released directly on OTT. Coolie No.1, Khaali Peeli, even the much touted Laxmii, all have received pathetic reviews. The verdict would have been different, had these films released in theatres. They are out and out masala entertainers, that would have appealed to holiday crowds at the multiplexes, and single screen theatres in Tier II and Tier III cities and towns.
The direct to digital experiment has had enough. Now it’s time to fasten their seatbelts, hold on tight, and plunge headlong into the melee. A report in Pinkvilla says that Bollywood filmmakers met up this evening to contemplate on the possibility of releasing completed films in the theatres, even if there is a 50% occupancy rule. They have apparently drawn up a calendar, and earmarked Fridays for the release upto 19 Bollywood films from February onwards. Needless to say, 83, Sooryavanshi and Radhe are in the list.
Radhe and Salman Khan will keep their Eid slot. Sooryavanshi will take a March slot for release – most likely Holi, similar to its original release date last year. And 83 will also keep its original April date – but, a year later.
Maybe the release of highly anticipated movies like 83, Sooryavanshi and Radhe will do for the Hindi film industry what Master and Krack are doing for South cinemas – revive the theatre business, bring in the moolah, and sing, “Happy days are here again”!
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