Will release films in theatres, but only when we're comfortable, says director Kabir Khan

Even as many films move to the OTT platforms seeking a release in the lockdown period, director Kabir Khan has revealed that he prefers a theatrical release to the OTT version. Speaking to the daily, Hindustan Times, the director affirmed the decision to release 83 (2020) theatrically post the lockdown. However, Khan added that the makers will wait till the environment is conducive for a major theatrical release. 

Khan said, "We will be ready (to release when the lockdown opens), but having said that, we will only come out with our movie when the comfort is palpable. and when we feel that okay, the fear has gone away, and people might feel comfortable to put on masks and gloves, and go watch a film."

Featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role of Kapil Dev, 83 was set to release on 10 April before the lockdown ensured an indefinite delay. 

The film revolves around Indian cricket's maiden World Cup triumph in 1983. Produced by Reliance Entertainment, the film joined Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi (2020) as the two major blockbusters that were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While several films like Gulabo Sitabo (2020) and Shakuntala Devi (2020) chose the option of releasing directly on OTT platforms, Khan has rejected the option. Incidentally, Reliance Entertainment group head, Shibashish Sarkar, had earlier echoed a similar sentiment. 

While Sarkar stated that 83 and Sooryavanshi will be the 'first films' to release in theatres post lockdown, Khan opined that the makers will wait. In his quote, he added, "Both, Rohit and I, would want the audience to enjoy our films on the big screen and therefore we are ready to wait it out for things to get better. It’s not like the lockdown will open and we will throw our films to test the waters. No. We will wait till we’re comfortable."

The lockdown, initiated in March, is expected to last till 31 May.