With the announcement of the new Shoojit Sircar film Gulabo Sitabo going digital the entertainment industry is sharply polarized about the dos and don’ts of digital releases for big-screen projects.
A livid multiplex spokesperson who spoke to me blamed Shoojit Sircar for “unleashing a tiger he can’t control”. This multiplex says it will ban Sircar’s future films from release, although how that is possible is unclear.
What is clear is the impatience of the Gulabo Sitabo producers Sheel Kumar and Ronnie Lahiri to get back their investments as soon as possible.
A source in the know says the producers’ initial demand sent Amazon scurrying for cover.
“They initially wanted Rs 70-75 crores from Amazon as they(the producers) claimed that was the kind of box office profits they expected. But Amazon refused to bite the bait. They were not willing to go beyond Rs 30 or at the most Rs 35 crores. And that’s the sum Gulabo Sitabo was sold for,” says the source.
Gulabo Sitabo is a rom-com about a squabbling landlord and tenant played by Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana.
In an interview some time ago Khurrana had raved, “All my recent film have tackled issues. This one is pure fun, and I had so much fun doing it. I was sharing screen space for the first time with Amitji. That in itself was enough incentive to be part of Gulabo Sitabo. On top of that, this is a film directed by my mentor Shoojitda(Shoojit Sircar). Even if he asked me to just stand in one frame for a few seconds I’d do it happily.”
Adds Amitabh Bachchan, “Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life, a dramedy that is a must-watch for families at home,” said actor Amitabh Bachchan, “I was excited about my role since the first time Shoojit showed me the character’s look. It took me almost 3 hours each day to get into character with its different look. I had a wonderful time working with my very talented co-star Ayushmann Khurrana. Even though we are constantly bantering in the film, it has been a pleasure working with him for the first time. This family entertainer has the power to cut across geographic boundaries and we are pleased to bring Gulabo Sitabo to audiences across the globe.”