On Friday evening it was confirmed that Jyotika starrer Ponmagal Vandhal helmed by debutant Fredrick JJ will directly hit the Amazon Prime OTT platform without a theatrical release. Despite the backlash from the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association, the film is likely to come to the platform in May.
Following this, a report on mid-day on Saturday suggested that Akshay Kumar‘s upcoming film Laxmmi Bomb, helmed by director Raghava Lawrence will also reportedly hit the digital platform Disney+ Hotstar without releasing in theatres. This comes in light of government’s decision to not open up cinema halls for audiences immediately post lockdown to avoid further spread of the coronavirus. The yet-to-be-completed film was originally slated for a theatrical release in June 2020.
Dear @akshaykumar sir and @Shabinaa_Ent mam….🥺😭😢😭😭😭
Please have a look on this article
.. if it is true… then please don’t do this.. if not then clear our doubt now… #LaxmmiBomb #AkshayKumar @advani_kiara @offl_Lawrence pic.twitter.com/zWJY0OtMDE— 🚩🚩VARANASI-𝘼𝙆𝙆𝙄𝘼𝙉ˢᵒᵒʳʸᵃᵛᵃⁿˢʰᶦ👊👊(SUJEET) (@akkiens) April 25, 2020
Though there is no confirmation of the same from the side of the makers, director, or actor, mid-day reported that the entire team has looked at the platform as a potential option and is yet to give the nod. The team is supposedly considering the interest of investors as well as audience reach and is trying to come up with the best decision.
“Akshay wants to make sure none of the invested parties make losses, and that the movie reaches a wide audience. While Disney+Hotstar ensures a worldwide reach, making the film available across small towns in India will be a concern for them,” read the report on mid-day.
Laxmmi Bomb is the Hindi remake of the Tamil horror Muni 2: Kanchana that was also helmed by Raghava Lawrence. The original starred the director himself, Sarathkumar, Raai Laxmi, Kovai Sarala, Devadarshini, and Sriman. It was the story of a trans woman’s spirit that enters Raghava Lawrence’s body to seek revenge for being killed mercilessly over a land-grabbing issue.
Kiara Advani is paired opposite Akshay for Laxmmi Bomb, marking the second association of the duo after Good Newwz. Fox Star Studios is presenting the film with Cape of Good Films, Shabinaa Entertainment, and Tusshar Entertainment House bankrolling the film.