While the rest of Bollywood was going blissfully digital David Dhawan’s Coolie No 1 was on a different trip altogether, repudiating the OTT platform firmly and immovably.
When I repeatedly inquired about Dhawan opting for an OTT release he a tad testily counter-questioned, “You tell me. Would my audience and my son Varun Dhawan’s audience like it if we release Coolie No 1 on digital? Some experiences are meant for the large screen.”
But now according to latest reports Dhawan’s resolution to steer clear of the OTT platform is wilting.
Sources say a major OTT platform has offered Dhawan 75 crores for a digital premiere of Coolie No 1.Apparently for the first time, David Dhawan is tempted.
Before the theatre exhibitors accuse Dhawan of betrayal, a friend of the director defends him. “David is one of the few directors who had vowed not to resort to a digital release. But how long can he wait for theatres to open? It’s not likely to happen this year. What is the point of holding on to a finished product for a year when David can make another film by then?”