Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film Indian 2 has found itself at the center of a controversy following its early release on OTT platforms. Despite the high expectations surrounding the film, Indian 2 struggled at the box office, earning less than ₹150 crores globally against its massive ₹250 crore budget. With disappointing box office returns, the makers opted to release the film on OTT earlier than usual, a move that has now drawn legal scrutiny.
The Early OTT Release Controversy
Just four weeks after its theatrical release, the Telugu and Tamil versions of Indian 2 became available on Netflix. The Hindi version followed within two weeks, bringing the total wait time to only six weeks—well short of the eight-week window required by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI). The early release has prompted the MAI to issue a legal notice to the filmmakers, citing a violation of the established guidelines for OTT releases.
What Are the OTT Release Rules?
According to the MAI, any Hindi film released in theaters must wait at least eight weeks before being available on OTT platforms. This rule is designed to protect the interests of cinema owners and encourage audiences to watch films in theaters rather than waiting for them to appear online. The MAI’s guidelines were created to ensure that theater owners don’t lose out on potential revenue due to early digital releases.
The MAI is taking the violation seriously, as it fears that allowing one film to bypass these rules could set a dangerous precedent. If other filmmakers follow suit, it could significantly impact the theater business, which is already struggling in the post-pandemic era.
Multiplex Association’s Stand
The Multiplex Association is determined to send a clear message to the industry. By issuing a legal notice, they are reinforcing the importance of adhering to the eight-week rule. The association is concerned that if such practices continue, it will lead to a decline in theater attendance, as audiences might prefer to wait for the OTT release rather than going to the cinema.
The MAI’s position is that the early release of Indian 2 on OTT platforms not only undermines the agreed-upon guidelines but also threatens the overall business model of multiplexes. The association is particularly upset because the team behind Indian 2 had initially agreed to the eight-week rule but then released the Hindi version on Netflix much earlier than allowed.
Impact on the Industry
This controversy surrounding Indian 2 has raised broader questions about the relationship between theatrical releases and OTT platforms. With the growing popularity of streaming services, many filmmakers are tempted to release their films online sooner to capitalize on the digital audience. However, this practice could erode the already fragile theater industry, especially for films that don’t perform well at the box office.
While the early OTT release might have been an attempt by the makers of Indian 2 to recoup some of their losses, it has sparked a debate about the future of film distribution in India. The legal notice from the MAI serves as a reminder that traditional theaters still play a crucial role in the film industry, and their interests must be protected.
Looking Ahead
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the makers of Indian 2 and their response to the legal notice. The outcome could set a precedent for future releases and how strictly the eight-week rule is enforced. For now, the Multiplex Association of India is standing firm on its guidelines, emphasizing that rules are in place for a reason and must be followed to ensure the continued success of the cinema industry.
