05 October,2020 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday in Khaali Peeli
A day after the makers launched a drive-in premiere of Khaali Peeli at the Backyard Sports Club in Gurugram on October 2, trade analyst Akshaye Rathi tweeted, "Khaali Peeli sold out at Gurgaon's drive-in cinema... People are happy to step out for recreation as long as safety protocols are in place. Pent-up demand for the big screen experience exists'' (sic). With the seven-month theatre shutdown having left a void in the entertainment market, the makers' experiment of drive-in theatres has received an overwhelming response, even though the Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday starrer simultaneously dropped on ZeePlex.
"With the shows being sold out, there are definite plans to explore the drive-in format, be it for a preview movie screening, or music concerts and stand-up comedy acts. We will screen Bollywood and regional blockbusters in other cities, in adherence with the new guidelines set by the central government, and the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA)," says Swaroop Banerjee, COO and business head, Zee Live. The team is currently zeroing in on the prospective cities.
Swaroop Banerjee
Banerjee notes that the model is prevalent around the globe - be it Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in the US or the Lavazza Drive-In International Film Festival in Ontario, Canada. "So, when people were missing the conventional movie-viewing experience, we introduced a hybrid model that could best address this need."
ALSO READ
Vijay Deverakonda, Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty surprise students at a college fest
Lisa Mishra shares her experience working with Zeenat Aman and Bhumi Pednekar
Karan Johar to make OTT debut, series to feature an ensemble of A-list actors
Ishaan Khatter thanks fans for loving The Perfect Couple: 'Feel re-invigorated'
'Abundance was not a thing’: Ishaan Khatter recalls living in a small flat
However, with the Centre having greenlit the reopening of cinemas, the important question is whether drive-in theatres will find takers. Banerjee believes producers will consider this model over and above theatrical release for future films. "It's not just about watching a movie, but an experience that film lovers can enjoy with their dear ones," he says.
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
