The first actor to resume filming for his much-anticipated film Bell Bottom was Akshay Kumar. Now that the film is almost ready for release, the question is if it will get an early OTT release. According to the latest rumours, Amazon Prime Video has offered the film’s team a premium price in exchange for an early OTT release. The multiplex association, on the other hand, has revolted against it.
It was previously announced that Akshay Kumar and the rest of the cast and crew had chosen an early release on Amazon Prime Video. It was also reported that the film would be available on OTT platforms within three weeks of its theatrical debut. However, as previously said, this has caused quite a commotion among multiplex owners.
According to Bollywood Hungama, certain industry sources have opted to voice their worries over the OTT premiere taking place in such a short timeline. However, a source close to the Akshay Kumar starrer’s team has said that they have got a premium pricing offer from Amazon Prime Video if they opt to release the film early.
“If the film premieres within 3 weeks of release, Amazon Prime Video will pay the Bell Bottom team an additional Rs. 30 crores over and above their signed deal [the conventional premiere pattern of 6 to 8 weeks].”
“This is a big amount for the team of Bell Bottom, as the theatrical revenues are expected to be low given the pandemic scenario. It’s the magnitude of money that’s too lucrative for them to reject, and hence, they have more or less zeroed in on this release plan. As it is, the film would do minuscule business post the 2 weeks run given the current pandemic. So it’s better to grab the additional Rs. 30 crores and make it a win and win scenario for producers. Even exhibitors would get some fresh content to screen,” the source said.
(Also read: Exclusive: Makers of Bell Bottom contemplate pushing its theatrical release ahead – read to know why!)
Although this will benefit the makers, the exhibition industry, which has been affected the hardest by the pandemic, will suffer more. “While it’s a profitable move for producers, the exhibitors might lose out on the audience. Why would anyone risk watching a film in theatres if it’s available for free in less than 20 days?”
The source further said, “The single screens are bleeding, and such a move will hamper their business further in the longer run. Short OTT window would mean faster death of single screens, as it would open up another avenue for producers to mint money. Today, it’s Bell Bottom, tomorrow, it could be anyone else.”
