Akshay Kumar has become the first A-list superstar to release his film directly on the OTT platform. He ventured into this feat with his horror-comedy Laxmii. This move triggered backlash from the exhibition community. The film too received negative reviews from critics and audience alike.
A source revealed to BollywoodHungama, “The producers of Bell Bottom – Jackky Bhagnani and Vashu Bhagnani – have started conversations with Amazon Prime to explore the possibility of a direct to digital release, and so far, both the parties seem to be on the same page. Various prospects are being discussed, including the financials, and there might be some clarity within the next one month. But at this point of time, team Bell Bottom is definitely exploring the direct to digital option of release.”
Following the release of Laxmii, the makers of Bell Bottom has released a teaser. It stated that the movie is expecting release on April 2, 2021. But a source shared that the release on April 2 seems unlikely. Another Akshay Kumar film [Sooryavanshi], is slated to arrive in the same period. Given the costs and several other factors associated with the film and Akshay’s jam packed release calendar, the makers thought of exploring the digital release with Amazon Prime. The Bhagnani’s share a close bond with the digital platform and, so does Akshay, and that’s how the meeting happened. The source adds that all stakeholders are working towards devising terms and conditions that will benefit all.
In case the deal cracks, it will send shock waves across the movie fraternity. Akshay Kumar is one of the most bankable names in Bollywood. He is also one of the few superstars who directs the pull to bring the audience back to theatres.
