After two months of no new Hindi films at the country’s multiplexes, it’s finally curtains on the controversy. But who belled the cat? Well, it’s clear that the industry benefits as a whole, but the timing of the victory clearly points fingers at big producer Vashu Bhagnani whose son is debuting in the film Kal Kissne Dekha scheduled around this time. Could Mr Moneybags have catalysed it?
So who has emerged the real winner? The multiplex owners or the Vashu Bhagnani-dominated producer-distributor lobby?
Here goes my analysis and why I feel it’s a just battle won.
Agreed, multiplex owners have pumped in much money and want to recover and profit on it as soon as they can. But there’s one cause for concern. If they continue to short-shrift lesser known producers and distributors (and they form the majority), the industry stands to lose.
Earlier, the film industry was dictated by the multiplex chains on when and where to screen their films. Also, the smaller producers were given a lesser portion of the profits unlike the biggies. This was highly unjustified and could cripple the industry in the long run. Thankfully, the respite has come in only five years since the multiplex boom began.
So what would this mean?
1. Every producer and distributor, big and small, will have an equal share of the profits.
2. If a film exceeds expectations, the producer stands to gain 2.5% bonus as well.
3. The film industry will now call the shots on when and which multiplex to use to screen their films.
Jai ho!
