Despite the unfavourable situations in the pan-India circuit, owing to the restrictions on cinema hall seating capacities, the makers of Prabhas’s Radhe Shyam are stating that they are sticking to 14 January release slot.
But things aren’t looking all that convincing. Maharashtra reported 9170 new Covid cases today, 1100 more than yesterday. The Covid situation is on the verge of turning critical in the state and if that happens, the government won’t hesitate to impose a complete lockdown.
If Maharashtra goes into full lockdown, Radhe Shyam’s theatrical prospects in the Hindi circuit will take a heavy beating, which will not be in the best interests of the stakeholders.
On the other hand, the Covid caseload in Karnataka has breached the 1000 mark today, for the first time since September. The government has already imposed 50% capacity regulation at cinema halls. If the caseload increases further, a complete lockdown is on cards.
Karnataka market is also a crucial one and it constitutes to sizeable revenues in Southern circuit. A lockdown in Karnataka will dent Radhe Shyam’s prospects.
As things stand, the Covid situation in Maharashtra and Karnataka is the deciding factor when it comes to Radhe Shyam’s release. If these states impose full lockdown, Radhe Shyam’s release plan might be subject to change.
On a related note, the makers are still holding on to 14 January slot as they are playing the waiting game to see what happens through the course of next two weeks.
They might announce the postponement only if things go haywire. Till then, Prabhas’s fans will be hopeful of watching the film this Sankranthi and they might be in for a big disappointment if the release is postponed. But given the financial equations, the makers of Radhe Shyam are left with no other option but to do what works best for the film.
