Indian 2 makers are facing significant backlash after violating the established 8-week OTT release window, resulting in a legal notice from the Multiplex Association of India (MAI).
Directed by Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1997 cult classic Indian hit theatres on July 12, 2024. However, the film failed to meet expectations at the box office, turning out to be a disappointing performance.
Indian 2 Makers Slapped With Legal Notice For Violating OTT Rules
According to the pre-arranged plans, the makers had scheduled the film’s Tamil and Telugu versions for digital release four weeks after its theatrical debut. Surprisingly, the Hindi dubbed version of Indian 2 (Hindustani 2) was also released on streaming platforms in less than six weeks, much earlier than the industry-standard 8-week window.
This unexpected move caught the attention of the Multiplex Association of India, which promptly issued a legal notice to the film’s producers.
An insider revealed to Pinkvilla, “The Multiplex Association of India has laid a set of rules for the theatrical release of films in Hindi. The rules expect the producers to follow a strict 8-week OTT window, and the ones who don’t obey the laid guidelines, won’t get a release in the top 3 national multiplex chains – PVRInox and Cinepolis. The team of Indian 2 aka. Hindustani 2 had agreed on the said guidelines and fetched a release in national chains.”
The source further added, “But the multiplex association was shocked to discover that the Hindi version of Indian 2 is streaming now on Netflix, much before the stipulated 8-week window. In an ideal world, Hindustani 2 should have streamed on September 6, but it’s already on air and this has not gone down well with the power players in the exhibition sector.”
MAI Stresses 8-Week OTT Rule Enforcement, Warns Against Early Releases
Several members of the MAI and other exhibitors have independently confirmed the development though they chose to remain anonymous. The association is keen to send a strong message to all producers, emphasising the importance of sticking to the 8-week OTT window.
“If one producer gets away, it allows many more to follow the suit. The idea is to set an example that such acts won’t be taken lightly. The MAI is very clear on maintaining an 8-week OTT window for all films seeing a release in North India,” the source stated.
In the meantime, fans of the Indian series can look forward to Indian 3, which is slated for release in 2025.
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest bollywood news and latest box office news.
