PremiumNEW DELHI: Telugu action thriller Wild Dog, starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dia Mirza, and Saiyami Kher, has started streaming on Netflix three weeks after its theatrical release earlier this month.
Directed by debutant Ashishor Solomon and produced by Matinee Entertainment, the film touches upon the Gokul Chat bomb blast incident of 2007.
Premium 
Premium To be sure, the covid-19 pandemic has brought radical changes to the window between theatrical and digital premiere and recently released films are fast making their way to streaming platforms. Horror comedy Roohi was available on Netflix less than a month since its release while Telugu comedy drama Jathi Ratnalu was picked up by Amazon Prime Video. Beating all of them, Kannada action drama Yuvarathnaa debuted on Amazon eight days after theatrical release.
It has been known for a while that Bollywood is not likely to continue with the eight-week window between theatrical and digital premieres even when things are back to normal. Instead, it may opt for a three-four week gap for online streaming.
The pros and cons of a possible shift are being fiercely debated by stakeholders in India and abroad, with streaming platforms seeking early digital releases and cinema chains resisting the move. In fact, Salman Khan’s latest film Radhe will be available on ZeePlex and ZEE5 the same day as its theatrical release this May.
Trade experts say while it may be okay for a film featuring a big star to expect an extended run in cinemas and debut on streaming platforms later, there is no logic in holding small producers back—more so, as the longer they wait, the movie’s value diminishes more. Add to this the fact that most small, non-star vehicles don’t even get proper shows and timings.
To be sure, altering the release window will not be good news for exhibitors, as consumers may be in two minds about going to cinemas if the movie is slated for streaming within a couple of weeks. In the past, exhibitors have opposed any such move, so it will be interesting to see how they react to the change.
Click here to read the Mint ePaperMint is now on Telegram. Join Mint channel in your Telegram and stay updated with the latest business news.
