Bell Bottom, starring Akshay Kumar, is making headlines once more. While we reported yesterday that the filmmakers are considering following in the footsteps of Vijay’s Master and releasing the picture digitally soon after its theatrical debut, we now hear that the exhibitor is on board with the proposal. In fact, national multiplex chains and the manufacturers are at odds over the same thing.
According to a recent study, cinema owners aren’t pleased that the makers are thinking of releasing on OTT platforms within 20 days of their theatrical premiere. Multiplex groups are reportedly threatening not to release it if a minimum 28-day interval between releases is not met.
“The multiplex associations are against the idea of film releasing on OTT within 20 days. They are holding their ground asking the makers for traditional release pattern which is 60 days gap from the release with Normal Playing Terms i.e. 50%, 40%, 30% for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Week respectively. If the makers take steps otherwise, the national chains wouldn’t release Bell Bottom across their screens,” informed a trade source to the portal.
(Also read: After huge success of Filhaal, Akshay Kumar, Nupur Sanon & BPraak are back with Filhaal 2, teaser out on this date!)
“They feel it’s unfair and will set a wrong precedent for all upcoming releases. The multiplex owners agreeing to this would mean, the entire slate of forthcoming releases would also release on digital platforms within 2 to 4 weeks, meaning a heavy loss of revenue for the cinema owners,” the source added.
This is second film of Akshay Kumar after Sooryavanshi which got in trouble with National cinema owners. The Ranjit M Tewari-directed film will hit theatres on Tuesday, July 27. According to sources, it will debut on Amazon Prime Video around the Mid-August.
