With theatres reopening, Bollywood had announced a host of big films for theatrical release over the next months. However, with the latest surge in Covid cases, multiple films are now being postponed. And Rohit Shetty's most awaited actioner, Sooryavanshi, starring Akshay Kumar, is one of them. Also Read - South News Weekly Rewind: RRR makers drop Ajay Devgn's powerful look, Rajinikanth conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award
"Team Sooryavanshi postpones the release of the film. The Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray had a discussion with director Rohit Shetty yesterday. In the meeting, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray appreciated Rohit Shetty as he took the brave and difficult decision of postponing Sooryavanshi owing to the current COVID situation in the state," reads a statement issued by the makers of the Rohit Shetty directorial. Also Read - Ajeeb Daastaans, The Big Bull, Irul and more: Here's your April watch list on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+Hotstar
Sharing the heartbreaking news to the fans, trade analyst Girish Johar also tweeted that Sooryavanshi, which also stars Katrina Kaif in the lead. Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn will be seen reprising their roles of Simmba and Singham in the film. "Confirmed.... #Sooryavanshi postponed indefinitely!" he tweeted tagging the entire star cast of Sooryavanshi. Also Read - Happy Birthday, Ajay Devgn: Here’s a sneak peek to actor's lavish residence
On the occasion of Rohit Shetty's birthday, Akshay and Ranveer had announced Sooryavanshi will hit screens on April 30. The two posted a teaser video talking about how the film's trailer released on this day, last year. The film was expected to release last year too but got delayed due to the pandemic.
"Sooryavanshi: Because A Promise Is A Promise We promised you all a cinematic experience and that's what you will get...the wait is finally over! Aa Rahi Hai PoliceA#SooryavanshiAreleasing worldwide in cinemas on 30th April 2021. #Sooryavanshi30thApril," posted Akshay, while Ranveer wrote, "Aa Rahi Hai Police ! Sooryavanshi in cinemas on 30th April 2021A#Sooryavanshi30thApril," read the post.
The decision comes at a time when as per new guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government, cinema halls will remain shut temporarily with effect from April 5 amid a resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
Among the most-hyped films being pushed for now is the Amitabh Bachchan-Emraan Hashmi starrer Chehre, which was scheduled to arrive on April 9. The Rani Mukerji-Saif Ali Khan starrer Bunty Aur Babli 2 will not be releasing on its scheduled date, April 23, either. The Rana Daggubati-starrer Haathi Mere Saathi (originally slated for March 26), has also been pushed for now despite its Telugu version Aranya and Tamil version Kaadan having opened on the designated date.
Meanwhile, Neflix, which has acquired the OTT rights of Sooryavanshi, seems to have waited long enough for the film to hit the screens so as to follow it up with an OTT release. However, the film release has been postponed many times and, as the Covid-19 situation stands today, it remains to be seen if the makers of Sooryavanshi will opt for an direct OTT release.
(With IANS Inputs)
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