Couple of years ago, there were strict rules in Tollywood that, films should be streamed on OTT platforms only after four to six weeks after film’s theatrical release. However, few producers broke the rules and released their films within four weeks. Then, Tollywood producers’ council came up with a declaration of not to release films on digital platforms within four weeks.
However, Tollywood’s star producer Allu Aravind is breaking the rules since covid times. Ravi Teja’s Krack was initially announced to be released on Aha after third week after theatrical release. But, considering buyers request, the release got pushed by another week.
Allari Naresh’s hit film Naandhi was released on Aha three weeks after theatrical release. Of course, the film directed by Vijay Kanakamedala got slowed down at box office from second week.
There were reports that Kartikeya’s Chaavu Kaburu Challaga would release on Aha in third week after theatrical release. But, the makers later clarified that, the film won’t be releasing in digital platforms before at least four weeks.
In the meantime, Aha announced their next releases. While Sree Vishnu and Rajendra Prasad starrer Gaali Sampath will be releasing on March 19th, Prashanth Varma’s Zombie Reddy will start streaming from 26th of this month.
Zombie Reddy is releasing at the right time, as the film’s business was closed long ago and OTT release won’t be affecting its theatrical trade. But, early release of Gaali Sampath would further affect the theatrical business of the film.
Some claim that there’s no wrong in releasing flop or small to medium range films within two to three weeks. But, the OTT release announcements are showing huge negative impact on theatrical business. People won’t go to watch films, if they come to know that the films are releasing early on OTT platforms. Particularly, it will kill the overseas business of films.
Long ago producers used to rent theatres for 100 days as to please star heroes and fans to show their films broke previous 100 days theatres record. But now, things have been changed drastically, producers became too greedy and are showing interest for early release on OTTs, as they get extra pay.
In this pact, producer and OTT players will gain extra profits, while buyers will incur losses. Let’s see whether Tollywood will come up with new guidelines on OTT releases!