PVR, Inox, Carnival Cinemas refuse to screen films released directly on OTT platforms

In June this year, the Carnival Cinemas chain had expressed its displeasure when the makers of six (then) upcoming films — Laxmmi Bomb, Bhuj: The Pride Of India, Sadak 2, The Big Bull, Khuda Haafiz and Lootcase — decided to take the OTT (over-the-top) route.

The multiplex chain made it clear that it would not screen any of these films in its theatres whenever cinemas reopened.

Carnival has now been joined by the PVR and Inox multiplex chains, which have also decided to shun films that were released directly on OTT platforms.

Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter today to share the news. “Important development. There was talk that films that premiered on OTT platforms [Dil Bechara, Sadak 2, Shakuntala Devi, Khuda Haafiz, Gunjan Saxena, Gulabo Sitabo] might release in cinemas. But leading multiplex chains [PVR, INOX and Carnival] have decided not to screen these films,” he wrote.

In a statement, Carnival Cinemas had stated in June that though it was disappointed with the filmmakers' decision to go straight to digital platforms for release, it understood their financial compulsions.

"The situation is such that you cannot blame anyone. In this time of uncertainty, some producers have decided to release their content directly on OTT. It is within their rights to decide, but we will not release those movies in our theatres (sic),” the statement read.