Save the dates! Bollywood all set to woo audience with theatrical releases

John Abraham in Attack

On Tuesday, Akshay Kumar announced that his spy thriller, 'Bell Bottom', will have a big-screen release on July 27. The announcement came amid trade buzz that theatres across the country may soon throw their doors open. While the Punjab government has allowed cinemas to operate at 50 per cent capacity from June 15, it is heard that other states may follow suit by July 1.

Amit Sharma, MD, Miraj Entertainment, breaks it down, stating, "In Maharashtra, districts on Level 2 can have theatres functioning at 50 per cent occupancy. So, we've procured permission to reopen cinemas in Chandrapur and Vasai. Unless we go to Level 1, we can't get 100 per cent occupancy." Kunal Sawhney, senior vice president, operations, Carnival Cinemas, says that exhibitors and filmmakers are hoping that movie halls will be up and running latest by July 15. "We heard that Telangana might reopen theatres soon. On our part, we have begun the sanitisation process and getting our cinemas [in order]."

Akshay Kumar in Bell Bottom

This has created a flurry of activity in Bollywood as makers are quickly lining up releases that have been awaiting their turn at the marquee over the past six to 10 months. While Kumar is leading from the front with 'Bell Bottom', trade analyst Komal Nahta says, "People were expecting the announcement of 'Sooryavanshi''s [release]. The makers are perhaps waiting for every state to open completely before making an announcement."

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In all likelihood, John Abraham will follow the superstar as his 'Attack' will hit screens over the Independence Day weekend. An insider reveals, "While John's Eid release 'Satyameva Jayate 2' had to be deferred, 'Attack' will meet its August 13 release. The exhibitors want to give 'Sooryavanshi' and '83' their due for standing by them through 2020. It is possible that the cop caper will arrive in October, followed by Ranveer Singh's cricket drama in November."

Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji in Bunty Aur Babli 2

Yash Raj Films, a staunch supporter of the exhibitors' community, has four movies in the pipeline. "They will get into action by September with the 'Bunty Aur Babli' sequel, followed by 'Shamshera', 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar', and finally 'Prithviraj'," adds the source.

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