Shahid Kapoor-starrer 'Jersey's release delayed due to 'new COVID-19 guidelines'
What's the story
Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur's Jersey becomes the first film to delay its release owing to the rising Omicron cases.
The sports drama was supposed to hit cinema halls this Friday, December 31, but due to "new COVID-19 guidelines," makers have decided to postpone the premiere. No new date has been announced yet.
This comes shortly after the Delhi government issued a yellow alert.
Context
Why does it matter?
Kapoor's last film was the monstrous hit, Kabir Singh (2019).
So, this makes 2021 the second year when no film of his gets released, in cinema halls or on OTT platforms.
Naturally, his fans were waiting eagerly for Jersey, but COVID-19 played the spoilsport.
But it's a good thing that the makers chose caution and decided to wait for the pandemic to subside.
Information
Makers ask fans to 'stay safe and healthy'
Issuing a statement, makers said, "In view of the current circumstances and new COVID-19 guidelines we have decided to postpone the theatrical release of our film Jersey."
"We have received immense love from you all so far and want to thank you all for everything. Until then everyone please stay safe and healthy...wishing you all the best for the new year ahead!! Team Jersey!!"
Information
'Jersey' will not be an OTT outing, clarifies Taran Adarsh
As soon as the news became public, rumors floated that Jersey might hit a digital medium. But trade analyst Taran Adarsh rubbished the same. Reportedly, the main reason behind this is the Delhi government's yellow alert that has shut down cinemas and multiplexes.
Observation
Shy performance of '83' another reason for delay?
Some reports pointed out that the shockingly bad performance of Ranveer Singh's 83 might also be another reason.
83's box office collection until day four was just Rs. 54.29 crore across all versions nationwide.
Perhaps that's why makers of the Kabir Khan-directorial did not want to lose their share of screens to any new movie.
Calender
Which big budgeters are hitting cinemas next month?
Given the situation, will the other big releases get postponed, too?
RRR—touted to be India's most expensive film—starring Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, and Ajay Devgn, is getting ready for release on January 7, 2022.
Then, we have Radhe Shyam poised for a January 14 outing, Ajith's Valimai on January 13, and Prithviraj that comes on January 21.
What will happen to them?