Indian Cinema Exhibitors particularly the Multiplex Association of India are pushing for the Re-Opening of the Theaters. They are hoping that the Government will allow theaters to re-open from October. Meanwhile, the re-opening of theaters may not be the end of all problems for the Exhibitors.
The Worldwide Box Office Reports from the countries where the theaters have re-opened paints a grim picture. The Box Office did not pick up and as a result, Hollywood Majors – Tenet and Mulan failed to live up to the expectations.
With this, major Hollywood films are also postponing their films to the later dates. That means there will be an acute shortage of content for the theaters from all sides even if they are allowed to function from October. Indian filmmakers are already decided. Those who can not wait are opting for OTT release and those who are waiting for the theaters to open wants their film in theaters only when the situation can be up to the Pre-COVID level.
Its high time at least the major Multiplex Chains enter agreements with the filmmakers and the OTT Majors to release the OTT Exclusive films in the theaters. However, the OTT Majors may not allow simultaneous release but such a sacrifice may be imminent for the Multiplex Chains at this juncture. Only with new content, the mood of the audience can be accurately gauged.
