Anand Pandit doesn’t have qualms about digital releases

The debate over OTT versus a theatrical release in the current pandemic is far from over. Given that opening of movie  halls did  not figure in any ‘unlocking’ versions so far, the talk of re-releasing OTT films in the theatre has gained momentum and producers have begun to mull over two platform releases. Veteran producer Anand Pandit who took a brave  decision to release his much-talked about Abhishek Bachchan starrer The Big Bull on OTT says it is fine to have two releases of a movie. “It does not have to be a choice between  OTT or theatre,  it can be both,” says veteran producer Anand Pandit.

He adds, “It is subject to the understanding the producer has with the OTT player and theatre owner and the agreement drawn up. If it is mutually decided to have a theatre release after an OTT one, why should there be a concern. The film’s content, cast  and quality can act as a decider for the same – it is not difficult to gauge which film suits an OTT or a theatre or both. And there is also the international markets to explore given that much of Europe, other parts of Asia and Australia have begun unlocking at a rapid pace.”

There were talks that theatres in some cities would open in September, but since that has not happened, OTT is going to continue to rule the roost. Thanks to the pandemic, multistarers and big budget films have also been designed for an OTT viewership, in the belief that entertainment should not suffer. However even if theatres were to re-open, the general fear and social distancing norms in the theatre may just about  rob viewers of a true theatre experience and incur additional losses to theatre owners.