Multiplexes Ban OTT Releases. Short-Sighted Decision?

We are almost into the D-Day of Re-Opening the theaters after a Six Months Hiatus. There is no clarity about how the Single Screen theaters will open but the Multiplex Chains are gearing up to open wherever the Governments allow.

However, they have set a policy of not playing content which had premiered on the OTT platforms, when they reopen from October 15th. Until the new content is available, they will screen re-runs of the native and other languages.

This policy may be taken purely out of Ego and will not augur well for the Multiplexes in these testing times. Screening the films released on OTT can be a rosy option since those who do not have access to such platforms may come to the theaters. Running Re-Runs in these times may not serve the purpose as the audience will have no motivation to come to the theaters.

If the Multiplexes think they can discourage the filmmakers with such a move, they are wrong. Given the conditions, the filmmakers will definitely opt for OTT release wherever possible. “Theatrical Business can not be threatened by OTT. As releasing in theaters will be the first choice when things become normal for theatrical business,” Experts say.