There have been reports doing the rounds that OTT platforms are working towards not accepting films for streaming at face value and have instead asked producers to release them on the big screens to gauge audience acceptance of projects. The report comes after a slew of big budget films which could have easily been sold to streaming platforms releasing in theatres and faring disastrously at ticket windows.
Films such as Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera, Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandhan and Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha – all massive projects – turned out to be box office duds. On the contrary films such as Kashmir Files, Karthikeya 2 among others, which the audience could have easily seen as OTT releases turned out to be massive box office hits. In short, it seems that the industry is in a state of shock, with multiple mega-budget films failing and producers having to rethink strategies for release of future films – one of which include sending non-theatrical films directly to OTT platforms
Amid all this, latest reports state that Shashank Khaitan’s Govinda Naam Mera with Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, and Bhumi Pednekar has been sold to Disney+Hotstar for a sum of Rs. 62 crore. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It’s a comic entertainer, but not exactly a film that’s ideal for the big screen in today’s world. Hence, the makers decided on a direct to digital premiere.” He added tat the satellite and digital rights have been sold for Rs 62 crore.
The source further added that the digital rights are valued at rs 42 crore while the satellite rights are valued at Rs 20 crore. “The initial market expectation of Dharma Productions for Govinda Naam Mera was Rs. 80 crores, but the buyers were not too keen to spend such a big amount on the film. Finally, the deal was locked at Rs. 62 crore,” said the source, adding Dharma Productions won’t be making any money on Govinda Naam Mera
The source also added that the team is now in a no profit no loss zone with Govinda Naam Mera. The film is looking at a Direct-to-OTT release in November.
