'Subedaar' director talks about the decline of 'mid-sized films'
What's the story
Suresh Triveni, who made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Tumhari Sulu, recently spoke about the challenges of releasing mid-budget films in theaters. His latest film, Subedaar, was released on Amazon Prime Video. Speaking to Variety India, he said that he is eager to see his work on the big screen but won't settle for a token release.
Industry changes
'Pre-COVID, a mid-sized film could easily find...'
Triveni also spoke about the changing landscape of film releases. He said, "Pre-COVID, a mid-sized film could easily find itself on a big screen without any debate." "What has happened now is there are only two kinds of cinemas, which are finding theaters." "Either the big star-led spectacle films or those independent releases where an independent individual producer goes about designing the film in a theater and waits for things to happen."
Release strategy
'The journey is not just about making it theatrical...'
Triveni said, "I realized with my first film is that the journey is not just about making it theatrical." "In today's changing mindset of the audience, you also need to pitch your film correctly and have that exposure when you're going theatrical." He added, "In the case of Subedaar, Amazon was always attached to it right from the beginning." "But the idea was that the film should be promoted. I don't want a token release."
Industry challenges
More than 50 small, medium-budget films lying unsold
As per the outlet, more than 50 small and medium-budget films are ready but remain unsold. "There are so many films, even of my friends, that are ready but not seeing the light of day," said Triveni. "Adding to it, regional films are also doing very well in theaters in North India. So, regional films also became very crucial in the overall game." "Indian cinema now, in a true sense, has come into the picture."
Proposed solution
Producers need to come together for solution, says Triveni
Triveni suggested that producers should come together and find a way for midsize cinema and independent cinema. "You can't have a film releasing and get a short, odd time, like 10am in the morning," he said. "So, it's time now for everyone to sit across the table and find out the solution so that the system starts working again and the cash flows back."