Covid lockdown further fuels OTT vs silver screen debate

Since last week, speculations are rife over the release of actor Akshay Kumar’s upcoming movie Laxxmi Bomb. The horror comedy, based on the 2011 Tamil blockbuster Kanchana, is speculated to premier on OTT platforms instead of theatrical release due to the shutdown. While there is no official word yet from the filmmakers or the actor, the news has already ruffled some feathers.

For instance, Vishek Chauhan, a Bihar-based exhibitor, tweeted: “My request to @akshaykumar to support theatres and not release #LaxmiBomb directly on #OTT,”

“You releasing your film directly on OTT, will justify the medium and make theatres irrelevant,” Chahuhan wrote in an open letter to the actor, adding: “It will trigger consumer behaviour changes justifying digital as the main medium of film consumption.”