PVR CEO reacts to Films releasing on OTT platforms: Won't be playing a film which is already released!

With each and every theater being shut down due to coronavirus scare many are facing a hard time paying their employees, and they are surviving under worst conditions. While some Bollywood producers have redirected their films to release on OTT platforms, theaters are going towards a loss. 

The demand for OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar and more has surged amid the lockdown. After Gulabo Sitabi, Shakuntala Devi makers also announced its release on an OTT platform, that left theatre owners completely disappointed.

Now, leading theatres PVR’s CEO has confirmed that they will not screen any film that has already been released on OTT platforms.

According to a report in Bloomberg quint, PVR CEO Kamal Gyanchandani said that they had urged the producers to hold and postpone the release of their films amid the COVID 19 crisis. He hoped that they would listen to their requests. But, several makers have gone ahead with releasing their films directly on OTT platforms. 

Kamal said, “The multiplex association has requested all producers to delay the releases, and we were hoping they will accede to our request. 

“We won't be playing a film which is already released on a streaming platform,” added Kamal. 

Earlier, several multiplex owners like INOX, Carnival Cinemas, and more had expressed disappointment over the release of films directly on OTT platforms.

Recently, makers of Gulabo Sitabo announced they will be releasing the film on Prime Video on June 12, 2020. Shakuntala Devi biopic is also headed for a release on Prime Video. With the nationwide lockdown extended till May 31, theatres are still shutdown.