According to latest reports, the pandemic may have caused another mainstream Bollywood film to opt for a direct to digital roll-out. After Amazon Prime Video won the race to release Gulabo Sitabo on June 12, the makers of Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonakshi Sinha starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India, are in talks with Disney+ Hotstar for the same.
Bhuj is set during the 1972 Indo-Pak war and tells the story of IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik. He was incharge of Bhuj airport at the time and reconstructed the Indian Airforce Base with help from his team and 300 local women.
According to a source:
“Though there are a few shooting days left for the film, the makers are very well aware of the post unlock situation wherein theatre-goers might be apprehensive to go in crowded places. Keeping all this in mind, the producers are in talks with Hotstar to get a direct digital release, given that further delay will only add to the production cost. The makers are trying to crack a good deal with the platform. Talks are currently on a primary stage.“
Initially planned for August, the film was later pushed to October due to delays. However, it may never get a theatrical release if talks go through with Disney+ Hotstar. Also, the Maharashtra government has allowed shootings to resume but with strict rules in place. This update will definitely speed up completion processes for pending projects.
Bhuj: The Pride of India has been directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya and produced by T-Series Films along with Anand Pandit Motion Pictures.
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