South Films Losing IMAX Screens due to OTT Curse
Films from southern india that are distributed on over-the-top platforms in less than eight weeks are not allowed to be screened by multiplex chains in the hindi markets. For fans and premium theater formats like IMAX, which have been affected by this trend, this decision has important ramifications.
Leo and GOAT, two recent tamil films, were not shown in the hindi belt's IMAX theaters. Just eight of India's more than thirty IMAX screens are found in the country's southern regions. Although IMAX works through theater chains that have license agreements, industry experts pointed out that IMAX cannot directly engage in these situations. Nevertheless, it is evident that they are losing out on potential sales.
Leo and GOAT, two recent tamil films, were not shown in the hindi belt's IMAX theaters. Just eight of India's more than thirty IMAX screens are found in the country's southern regions. Although IMAX works through theater chains that have license agreements, industry experts pointed out that IMAX cannot directly engage in these situations. Nevertheless, it is evident that they are losing out on potential sales.
It has been noted that not showing these movies results in losses on several fronts, such as decreased foot traffic in shopping centers, decreased sales of food and drink, and less chances for advertising. If GOAT and Leo had been released in northern cinemas, he believes they may have made an extra ₹30–50 crore together at the box office. IMAX shows these movies in foreign theaters to offset these losses, but things are still difficult in India. While other premium formats, such as EPIC, are making an attempt to break into the market, multiplexes in the north presently control the distribution of movies.
Trade analysts point out that while there is a desire to grow premium theater formats such as IMAX and 4DX, there aren't enough good indian films available to fill these screens. The majority of movies screened in these formats are hollywood productions, necessitating extended screening times for them in cinemas. While hindi and regional films are beginning to be produced or adapted for high-end screens, their income share remains relatively low for large multiplex chains, ranging from 15 to 20 percent. A number of industry insiders summed up the problem by stating that everyone loses out when movies go to OTT too fast.
In the end, the public loses access to these movies, exhibitors forfeit the chance to play them, creators lose out on larger audiences, and format owners like IMAX suffer financial losses.
In the end, the public loses access to these movies, exhibitors forfeit the chance to play them, creators lose out on larger audiences, and format owners like IMAX suffer financial losses.