Akshay Kumar Starrer Bell Bottom Might Opt For A Hybrid Release

Mumbai, April 29, 2021: When the covid-19 cases were slowing down in the country earlier in the year, many Bollywood filmmakers started scheduling the release dates of their pending movies. However, the second wave of coronavirus pandemic has led multiple Bollywood producers to rethink their strategies.

While Salman Khan starrer "Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai" has already announced for a hybrid release in theaters and multiple digital platforms via a pay per view service this Eid, there are talks happening in the film industry that Akshay Kumar starrer "Bell Bottom" might also take the same route to avoid further delay, however, the makers are also looking for direct-to-digital release via Disney Plus Hotstar.



"Bell Bottom was all set for a theatrical release on May 28, but in current times, it's unlikely for any film to arrive in the cinema halls at least for the next couple of months. Keeping the current situation in mind, the makers have started negotiating with Disney Plus Hotstar for a price of around 150 crores", a source close to the development told a leading entertainment portal.

The source further said that "makers want Bell Bottom to be a theatrical experience but this a tough decision they have to take. While the talks with Disney Plus are on, the makers are also finding ways for a hybrid release of Bell Bottom", adding that the hybrid release plan depends upon the success of Salman Khan's Radhe.

Interestingly, in the month of January, the Bell Bottom team was in talks with Amazon Prime Video for direct OTT release and the streaming giant had reportadly offered 125 crores to the makers. However, the makers later decide to stay with the theatrical release on May 28.

It will be interesting to see which way makers will go to release the movie. One thing is for sure that the exhibitors and theater owners will largely be disappointed as they have high hopes for this movie.

Stay tuned...