With a whole lot of uncertainty surrounding theatrical business, Tollywood producers are exploring alternative options. Since the last few days, multiple portals have been reporting that mainstream biggies like Narappa, Drushyam 2, Most Eligible Bachelor and others are set to skip theatrical release and premiere directly on OTT.
In the view of the seemingly fast-approaching OTT release wave, Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce has issued an ultimatum of sorts to producers who are planning to release their films directly on OTT.
In their latest press release, TFCC urged producers to wait at least till October for theaters to re-open. “If theaters don’t open by October, then they(producers) can opt for OTT release. All producers are requested to consider the appeal; else all exhibitors of Telangana will plan future course of action,” read the statement.
It is being said that Suresh Babu has been planning to release two of his production ventures Narappa and Drushyam 2 on OTT. Even Allu Aravind looked set to follow the same path as reports read that his upcoming projects Most Eligible Bachelor and 18 Pages would stream directly on OTT. Netizens are now opining that TFCC’s ultimatum is aimed at both Suresh Babu and Allu Aravind who have been prepping up to the ride the OTT wave.
TFCC’s statement should also put a doubt or two in the minds of the makers of Nithiin’s Maestro which is all but confirmed to stream on Disney+ Hotstar. Same is the case with Sundeep Kishan’s Gully Rowdy and Vishwak Sen’s Paagal as well. The makers of these two films are also in final round of talks with OTT platforms regarding the direct to digital release. They should reconsider their release plans following TFCC’s latest stand.
