So, here is the official announcement from the makers of Master. It is on the expected lines and also the right one. They have avoided a historical blunder. Here’s why we think so.
Under the normal circumstances, the Thalapathy Vijay starrer Master would have been a biggie that is keenly awaited by Tamil film industry, only, like any other event movie from the star. However, in the current scenario (post coronavirus recovery period), the entire Indian film industry will likely be looking at Master.
It is all due to the frenzied and crazy fan following enjoyed by Vijay. A film like Master is no doubt a big-screen theatrical experience. The teaser has further made it clear. It is due to take an earth-shattering opening whenever it arrives. And ‘that’ precisely is what the entire trade in India is waiting to witness. Master, whenever it comes, is expected to provide the much-needed impetus to the India film industry via the footfalls in the cinemas.
The other options before Master are a direct digital release like the recent Tamil biggie. It would also be record-breaking, but of no use frankly to Vijay or the film industry. Next, is having a ‘Pay-per-view model’ of online availability. It can be tried, but piracy will be a huge concern because of the ‘star’ factor. The third way is the yet untested, simultaneous theatrical as well as a digital release. One is not sure how it will turn out. In any case, the Indian exhibition sector seems to be against it (happening domestically).
In the three options available digitally, Master brings nothing out of the ordinary on the table for the fans or the film industry, in general. It wouldn’t further the star status of Vijay in any way. It solely depends on the theatrical release and the business it generates.
Considering all these, the makers of Master have made a difficult yet right decision. The makers have, therefore, avoided a historical blunder. Now, Master will be etched in history whenever it hits the cinemas, without any doubt. All of this is solely due to the stardom and mass following (and mass movie factor) that Vijay commands.
