By: Aswathy Nair
It has been a month since India is under a complete lockdown. With hundreds of new Coronavirus cases emerging every passing day, nobody knows when the lockdown will be lifted and things will return to normalcy.
The ongoing situation has put the future of several upcoming releases in limbo. If sources are to be believed, a number of filmmakers are contemplating a direct digital release for their movies because even if the lockdown is lifted next month, it may take some time for audiences to return to theatres.
According to reports, Akshay Kumar’s forthcoming film Laxmmi Bomb, which was set to release on Eid 2020, may release directly on the leading digital platform Hotstar. The film is completely ready and a final decision on whether or not it will release digitally or theatrically will be made soon.
“Akshay wants to make sure none of the invested parties make losses, and that the movie reaches a wide audience. While Disney+Hotstar ensures a worldwide reach, making the film available across small towns in India will be a concern for them,” a source close to the development reveals.
If Laxmmi Bomb gets a release directly on OTT, Akshay Kumar will be one of the biggest superstars to opt for a digital release as opposed to a theatrical one. An official announcement is highly awaited.
The source goes on to add, “Although currently the lockdown is on till May 3, theatres may continue to remain closed to ensure social distancing. In such a scenario, the team may consider having a direct-to-web release.”
Apart from Laxmmi Bomb, Akshay Kumar is also awaiting the release of his much-awaited cop-drama Sooryavanshi. The film was slated to release on 24th March, 2020. However, the makers had to postpone its release amid the Coronavirus lockdown.
