Are Kannada movie re-releases working?

Over the past year, there’s been an increase in Kannada films making theatrical comebacks. From A, Upendra, Om, Kariya, Appu and Cynaide to Dr Rajkumar and Dr Vishnuvardhan classics Gandhada Gudi and Krishna Nee Begane Baaro, this trend is filling screens in an otherwise hit-starved industry. As re-releases of these classics and cult hits flood theatres, the question remains — is nostalgia and hit factor enough to bring in the audience to watch a movie? Here’s a look:

OF FAN HYPE AND FOOTFALLS
“While some new releases have managed to draw in the crowds, it’s been a struggle for exhibitors to command a full house. We need footfalls, and when faced with a dry run, re-releasing an old film with a strong base usually guarantees such a win,” shares Jayanth Gowda, senior floor in-charge of a multiplex chain.


BTS OF A RE-RELEASE
Karthik Gowda informs that proper planning for a re-release is also important. “The number of screens are major factors. The pricing of the tickets is also a major factor because nobody wants to pay a premium for a film that is re-releasing,” he points out.

SOME RE-RELEASES WIN, WHILE OTHERS SIMPLY FIZZLE OUT
While some re-releases see impressive returns, with fans showing up in large numbers, others merely fade after the morning show. “Not every re-release has the capacity to run for weeks,” says Sudheendra Venkatesh, a film PRO. A distributor, on condition of anonymity, shares that not every hit deserves a re-release. Film proudcer Karthik Gowda adds, “A fair amount is spent by the teams when they replay it; like paper ads, digital publicity and posters because promotions become important as it’s a film they have already watched and we have to lure them back to watching it."

THE X FACTOR
What works:
● Star fandom (especially Puneeth Rajkumar, Darshan, Upendra)
● Limited access online or rare cult status
● Occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or death anniversaries
● Fan-organised events and theatre bookings

What doesn’t:
● Overexposure on TV or OTT
● Poor quality prints
● Lack of on-ground promotion
● Outdated themes