Vishnu Vardhan Induri: Can recover cost only if there’s two-week gap

07 September,2021 07:25 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Uma Ramasubramanian

As leading multiplex chain refuses to screen Hindi version of Kangana’s Thalaivii due to narrow window between theatrical run and OTT release, producer says the demanded four-week gap is financially unfeasible

Kangana Ranaut and Arvind Swami in the film


Kangana Ranaut and theatre chain PVR Cinemas were engaged in a war of words last week after the latter refused to screen Thalaivii until the makers ensured a four-week gap between its theatrical release and subsequent OTT run. The story took a turn on Saturday with PVR agreeing to run the film's Tamil and Telugu versions after the producers met the four-week demand. However, the multiplex chain was "disappointed" that the Hindi version will drop on Netflix India only after a two-week window, and took a hard stand against its big-screen outing.

Producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri says that while he empathises with the exhibitors, the two-week gap is a necessary measure in this hour. After all, backing Thalaivii - touted to be one of the most expensive woman-led films - comes with its share of risks. "As a producer who has invested so much money in the film, I have the right to recover the investment. Every producer is trying various means [to stay afloat] - some are taking the direct-to-web route, others are waiting for a few more months. I can recover the cost only if there is a two-week window because at this point, box office won't give me the returns that we would get earlier."

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut: Let's support, not bully each other

The biopic on J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was among the films that the exhibitors had hoped would turn the tide in their favour. While the Ranaut-starrer's Tamil and Telugu versions are slated to drop on Amazon Prime Video in mid-October, Induri says his hands are tied as far as the Hindi counterpart is concerned. "If I opt for a four-week window [for the Hindi version], I will lose money and will land in a financial problem. I will never be able to make a film again." Despite the leading multiplex chain barring its release, he says the Hindi offering will enjoy a "wide reach" through local movie halls.

The AL Vijay directorial venture has another disadvantage - cinemas in Maharashtra continue to remain shut. But Induri is undeterred. "If I hold off the release and the third wave hits, I will lose out on seven months or so. Hence, the key people on the film have decided to go ahead with the September 10 release. Kangana stands by our decision."

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut learnt Bharatanatyam for 'Thalaivii' song

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