The invasion of digital platforms in the film industry is becoming permanent, and even A-list stars are feeling the impact.Recently, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor were taken aback when they discovered that their joint project, Bawaal, had been sold to Prime Video.
Bawaal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is an extravagant film shot in multiple countries with an estimated budget of Rs.275 crores.It was meant to be a cinematic experience, featuring the popular stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.However, the decision to release it directly on a streaming platform didn’t sit well with the actors.
According to someone close to one of the leads in Bawaal, the news of its digital release came as a shock.They believed that the film was intended for the big screen, but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do about it.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Varun Dhawan faced the disappointment of his film heading to the digital realm against his wishes.Previously, it happened with his father David Dhawan’s film Coolie No.1 during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
Now, Sonam Kapoor finds herself in a similar situation, with her passion project being deprived of a theatrical release.
Sonam, last seen in The Zoya Factor, plays the lead role in Blind, a Hindi remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name.The movie is set to stream on Jio Cinema starting from July 7.
The announcement of Blind’s digital release came as a shock to Sonam, as she was allegedly not informed about the change in plans.However, the producers had no choice but to opt for a digital release as negotiations for a theatrical release were not progressing.
This turn of events is disheartening, especially considering that Blind showcases Sonam’s most memorable performance since Neerja.The film revolves around her character, an ex-cop who becomes blind while pursuing a criminal and continues her quest to apprehend him despite her physical disability.This Korean remake marks Sonam’s first foray into action films, where she impressively showcases her fighting skills.It’s a shame that her efforts won’t be witnessed on the big screen.
Overall, the rise of digital platforms has disrupted the traditional release patterns in the film industry, affecting even high-profile stars like Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sonam Kapoor, who have found their films redirected to streaming platforms against their desires.
