Ranveer Singh starrer '83 could release on OTT platforms if theatres don't open until Diwali

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc across the country in the past few months, disrupting normalcy and making life bitter for millions of people. India has been one of the worst-hit countries amid the pandemic and the COVID-19 positive cases have already crossed the 3 million mark.

More than 55,000 deaths have been recorded so far and there is still uncertainty over things getting normal in the near future. Amid the pandemic, the BCCI was also left with no option but to shift the much-awaited IPL 2020 to UAE. Along with sports, Bollywood has also been affected in recent times.

Many movies have resorted to OTT platforms at a time when theatres have failed to open. One of the much-awaited films on cricket– ’83 might also pave its way towards OTT platforms if theatres fail to open till Diwali. In June, cinema chains like PVR and INOX confirmed that the Ranveer Singh starrer movie would release on Christmas. However, considering the current scenario across the country, the film might be forced to turn towards OTT platforms.

Posters of the film were also released earlier

Sports drama ’83 depicts India’s journey of first World Cup win under Kapil Dev’s captaincy. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film stars Ranveer Singh playing the role of the then Kapil Dev. The Bollywood actor’s wife Deepika Padukone essays Kapil Dev’s wife Romi in the film. The movie also stars Hardy Sandhu, Tahir Bhasin, Jiva, Saqib Saleem and Pankaj Tripathi playing the role of members of the World Cup-winning squad.

’83 was initially going to release in April but it was pushed further due to coronavirus pandemic. The filmmakers had even shared the look of Ranveer which had an uncanny resemblance with Kapil Dev. Ranveer had received many accolades for his look in the movie.

Many fans are eagerly waiting for the film’s release in theatres but it looks like coronavirus outbreak might shatter their expectations. Reliance Entertainment CEO Shibasish Sarkar has said that if theatres fail to open up by a certain time, the film might be rolled out on OTT platforms.

“We are 100% inclined to take the theatrical route. However, at the same time, we don’t want to delay the release further than practically possible. That means we will not like to push release dates beyond Diwali / Christmas. So the first option is to go theatrical if cinemas open up and audiences are back,” Shibasish Sarkar told Bollywood Hungama.

“Basically we will not like to shift release date further…. and ideally look for theatrical or any other hybrid measure for the best possible release,” he added.