Coronavirus Impact On Bollywood: After James Bond Film No Time To Die's Postponement, Are Sooryavanshi, Coolie No 1 And 83 Contemplating The Same?- EXCLUSIVE
Hell breaking loose as coronavirus spreads. Will the fear have an adverse effect on the films which are round the corner?
Hell is breaking loose across the world. And several businesses are going to be affected, including movies which are seen in jhund in theatres. Last night, when I went to pick up a few medicines, I saw most people only buying masks and sanitisers. And this morning, we woke up to the news that the James Bond film No Time To Die has been delayed from March 6 to November! Imagine, the makers of this one want all decks cleared and have no issues in shifting by 8 months.
What will happen to big Bollywood releases lined up in the next few months- ? You and I know for a fact that many movies made out here derive a good chunk of footfalls from overseas (Dubai and Singapore are partially shut and taking massive precautions). Is that going to drop? Are overseas market rates going to drop? Or, are some Bollywood movies going to shift their release date and adopt a wait-n-watch attitude? Let's not forget that schools are shut in Gurgaon and some institutions are planning to delay their exams.
Trade expert, Taran Adarsh says, "Well, cinemas are closing down, at least in Italy. Add China to this of course. Aur bhi countries mein bahut uthal-puthal ho rahi hai. As for here, you might have some postponements in the offing."
The markets of overseas markets of Bollywood movies in pipeline will be affected as long as the fear of coronavirus looms large- and there is no doubt at the moment that it is so. I can't say if 83, Sooryavanshi (March 24) or any other biggie will shift their current dates. At least 83 (April 10) is still not so near, so is Coolie No 1 (May 1). But there is constant panic."
A source on request of anonymity says, "Sooryavanshi is massive and will reap in huge amounts from abroad. This is one film which I bet that the producers (Reliance) must be contemplating to shift, or at least a discussion in this regard must be happening in their offices."
Another trade expert Amod Mehra says that he expects Baaghi 3 collections to be in the vicinity of Rs 15-20 crore. It would have got more if the coronavirus hadn't emerged. My son and daughter have cancelled their travel plans, even coming from Delhi to Mumbai has become a story of ifs and buts."
Gaiety-Galaxy owner Manoj Desai says, "I am releasing Baaghi 3 in both Gaiety and Galaxy. I pray that everything goes well. Mumbai may toh abhi tak coronavirus nahin aata hai."
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