In a world where most companies are finding it difficult to gt through this tough phase of COVID-19 crisis, there are some which are actually gaining more audience than ever and of these brands are Digital video streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix and so on. With people sitting at homes, OTT Platforms have become the major source of entertainment and some are doubting that this will change the industry forever.
As it is still not clear that when things will get back to normal, moviemakers have already started to look for alternatives to release their work rather than waiting for the cinema halls to open. The makers of Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana starrer “Gulabo Sitabo” have announced that they would be releasing the flick on Amazon Prime on June 12 and now the makers of “Shakuntala Devi” starring Vidya Balan have also revealed that they would also release the movie on Amazon Prime in June.
While this is optimistic news for online users and OTT platforms, it has not gone well with the INOX theatres and the company has released a statement on Twitter in which it has expressed disappointment over the step taken by the movie makers. INOX has not taken anybody’s name in its statement but one can easily guess what they are trying to convey.
STATEMENT BY INOX ON A PRODUCTION HOUSE’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO RELEASE THEIR MOVIE ON AN OTT PLATFORM BY SKIPPING THE THEATRICAL RUN pic.twitter.com/NfqoYV2QRx
— INOX Movies (@INOXMovies) May 14, 2020
Below is the complete statement if you want to read:
The Producers Guild of India also tweeted recently about the current scenario and wrote reasons why releasing films directly on streaming is a more financially viable option.
Statement from Producers Guild of India pic.twitter.com/WCeX3zMlsh
— Producers Guild of India (@producers_guild) May 15, 2020
Netizens were quick to react over this and some wrote their experience with movie theatres before the lockdown:
1.
Don't whine Inox! This is the begining of the end of multiplexes' monopoly. People are shifting to OTT platforms and movie makers are also realising it. High time you think of your overpriced tickets and eatables otherwise you'll soon have to lease your complexes to big bazaar.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) May 15, 2020
2.
Now I don't have to go to #INOX to waste my money watching preposterous advertisements and eat expensive yet tasteless snacks. I'd rather watch @NetflixIndia or @PrimeVideoIN at home. OTTs are the new age. Count your days !@INOXMovies
— Justice Jolly (@soberarbiter) May 14, 2020
3.
#INOX I remember every time in the interval. I use to go out and check the price of coffee, popcorn. I wouldn't buy because the price was too much. Middle-class people like me cannot spend that much on just popcorn. And for regional movies at times no subtitle.
— AnishKumar Agarwal (@AnIsH_261290) May 14, 2020
4.
Cost of:
– parking: Rs.30
– movie ticket: Rs 250
– popcorn (s): 280
– water bottle: 150Value of #Inox expressing displeasure at Content creators: Priceless.#PVR #movies #AmazonPrimeVideo #netflixindia #sunnxt pic.twitter.com/fhNxfSO6MI
— Gopal Kavalireddi (@gvkreddi) May 14, 2020
5.
This rant by #Inox #InoxMovies is more like Kodak protesting against rise of digital cameras 😌. We all know that happened to Kodak. #MoveOn #movies #bollywood #GulaboSitabo #AmazonPrimeVideo #OTT #online
— M M K (@Redfish18) May 14, 2020
6.
Last i went to #Inox they wanted Rs 370 for popcorn and another 170 for a cola.. Let their business die a painful death
— Vijay 🇮🇳 (@vijay_kasp) May 14, 2020
What are your views on this? Share our thoughts in the comments section.
