Coronavirus hadn't even stopped the shootings, but the situation has dumped many producers in confusion as well. There was no clue on the public response to the theatres till last week. Many assumed that the patronage of the people would be miserable to run shows in the theatres.
Many producers and actors also were worried that the market equations would change a lot with this situation at the theatres.
So, everybody has prayed for the good olden days. But nobody ventured to step out and release the films. Who can bell the cat first? That has become a big question. Though RGV dared to release Coronavirus and Murder, no one cared those films and so those films were not considered as the actual test.
Finally Solo Bratuke So Better has hit the screens. Surprisingly, the theatres were full, advance bookings were impressive and the audience also stepped into the theatres with families breaking the 10 month ong hibernation.
UV Creations Vamshi and Dil Raju have bought the theatrical rights from ZEE TV for Rs 8 Cr and sold at the cost price to different areas.
Though the talk was average with mixed reactions the collections proved to be good news for Tollywood on a whole.
The majority buyers will get breakeven in the first weekend as per the current trend. Commissions may work out for them in the second week as per the trade sources. As there is no competition from other films and as it is the only mass appealing film in theatres running now, the collections can be beyond expectations.
Producers are now breathing some fresh air breaking their suffocation. The film makers that have been thinking to sell all the rights to OTT platforms are now thinking to sell theatrical rights separately.
Theatre workers are also in relief with income through canteen and parking.
It goes without saying that the film SBSB has given moral strength to many films and we may see gush of films hitting the theatres in the coming weeks and Sankranthi season.