With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting the country, theatres and multiplexes were shut down again in most states and most big film releases were pushed ahead. So when the makers of Salman Khan’s upcoming film Radhe announced they will be releasing the film in theatres and on OTT simultaneously, it came as a shock to exhibitors who were already making a loss.
Radhe, which will be released in theatres and on OTT on 13 May, was sold to Zee Studios for Rs 230 crores, all rights included. This includes rights for music, satellite and theatrical release. The screenings of the film would also contribute to Zee’s revenue. While many feel that Zee and Salman Khan are committing a mistake by releasing the action movie amid the deadly second wave of Covid, others feel that the filmmakers are right in doing so.
When the announcement of the hybrid release of Radhe was made, Zee and Salman Khan had expected that theatres would be allowed to reopen by or before 13 May. However, given the Covid outbreak, many states where cinemas were functional have actually asked them to down their shutters.