Gulabo Sitabo OTT release: Single-screen owners disappointed, call it a new challenge they have to deal with

The film industry is facing one of its biggest crises ever due to the coronavirus pandemic. With theatres unable to screen films, Shoojit Sircar has decided to release his Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, on digital. Though theatre owners in Kolkata are not exactly pleased with the decision, given the circumstances, but are hopeful that this is just a phase and things will improve post lockdown.Here's what they have to say:

It is up to the producer how he chooses to release his film. Like a producer can’t dictate which film I wish to screen in my theatre, I can’t comment on his business module either. OTT release of films might be a new way of exploring avenues and it is true that we don’t know when theatres will reopen. So, why should a producer wait? Having said that, I want to add that single-screen theatres have faced a lot of challenges from television, cable, VCR, satellite, multiplex, piracy issues and what not! But still it survived. This time too, it will. I am sure the audience will come to theatres post lockdown, if they feel safe enough and provided the content of the film is good. You can’t compare watching a film in a theatre to that on OTT.


Due to this never-ending lockdown, there is an uncertainty in every sphere. The film industry is suffering a huge loss with no assurance as when shootings will resume or theatres will reopen. Filmmakers are now opting for the OTT platform to release their films. That is the only option in this crisis, but it cannot be the norm. Theatres give a film visibility and turn actors into stars. One cannot compare the experience of watching a film in a theatre to that on the OTT platform. The Bengali film audience will always go to theatres to watch a film for its own charm. Single screens are already in bad shape and with this OTT release, I don’t know its future. We have to deal with this challenge.


For filmmakers, releasing a film on OTT platforms is much easier as there are no distributors, bookers or middlemen to create problems. It is much more convenient for subscribers too. They can watch a film sitting at home. But at the same time, the joy and pleasure of watching a film on a big screen will always be there. Also it provides livelihood to many people. I think this is a temporary phase, keeping the current situation in mind. Once the situation gets better, audience will again go back to theatres, provided theatre owners assure their safety.