Box office at home

Like many other economic activities, the Rs 18,300-crore Indian film industry, too, has been busy counting its losses. Going through one of its worst phases because of the lockdown, many makers have now decided to release their upcoming films on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Come May 22, Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer Ghoomketu will set the ball rolling and a slew of Hindi films, whose theatrical release seems as uncertain as the future in a post-corona world, will follow suit. Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo and Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmmi Bomb are some of the significant films which have decided to miss their date with theatres.

In the light of the backlog of releases and unpredictability looming over the reopening of cinema halls, the decision to stream films makes financial sense. The technological facilitation is likely to bail out at least mid-range films. Rather, the current arrangement seems like a win-win for both makers and audiences, who have become used to getting entertained from the comfort of their homes. But, filmmaking is not a standalone business. From a spot boy to makeup man to hordes of extras, thousands of daily-wage earners are dependent on cinema for their livelihood. The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association has been doing its bit for those working on the sets. But is anyone sparing a thought for those indirectly connected with cinema halls? The ushers, ticket-sellers and cleaners, the list of those doing odd jobs is long.

Exhibitors’ plea to the Prime Minister to hold back the release of movies on OTT may not hold much water. Yet, the concerns of cinema halls and those associated with it can’t be overlooked. As things stand, it will take a long time to draw audiences. Experts are already anticipating a 50 per cent drop in multiplex footfall. While readjusting its balance sheet, the film industry, which as a rule rakes in crores, must factor in the last man standing. Not just those who stand in queues to buy tickets, but all those who make cinema viewing a fulfilling theatrical experience.