Kerala Exhibitors Federation President Liberty Basheer has stated that 120 theaters are ready to screen Drishyam 2 , if given two weeks after the release on Amazon. He said if the film is a hit on OTT, it will be screened in theaters. Quick to retort, Film Chamber Vice President Anil Thomas said that Chamber has not made any change in the decision of no film on OTT first release can be screened in theaters.
Liberty Basheer says that Mohanlal had admitted that he made the mistake of accepting Amazon offer as there was no sign of any opening of theaters. He says that unlike other films that got clearance from Chamber to sell to OTT, Drishyam 2 did not get any such order. Taking into consideration that Mohanlal who has contributed so much towards Kerala filmdom, the film must reach the public through theaters and an exemption must be made. In case it was not coming, federation would go ahead and release it.
Trade says that despite many criticallly acclaimed films being released, the occupancy rate for evening shows is low and there is no night shows. Covid cases continue to be on the high side and second to Maharashtra on national level. Only Tamil film Master had brought cheer to Kerala Theaters. In this situation, Drishyam 2 will at least get lal fans to boost the sagging revenues, says trade analysts.
The ball lies in Amazon who has the exclusive rights ( including theaterical) and a rethink at this moment is not possible. Many say that Liberty Basheer is just playing up a publicity stunt. Most of the Kerala film trade bodies are headed by persons said to be in the lal camp. As Drishyam 2 is not a visually stunning film to be seen on big screen, OTT will satisfy the audience, point out critics.
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