"This is unfair and cruel in these testing times"
Three Indian cinema chains have reportedly refused to screen Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivii, causing another roadblock in the film’s release.
The biopic about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has seen numerous delays in its release due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It eventually got a release date of September 10, 2021.
But now, three cinema chains have reportedly decided not to accommodate the film.
This prompted the outspoken actress to issue a message to the cinema owners, stating that the film industry should help each other during difficult times.
In an Instagram Story, Kangana wrote:
“No films are choosing theatres, very few and very brave like my producers @vishnuinduri @shaaileshrsingh are compromising on huge profits and letting go of exclusive streaming options only for the love of cinema.
“In these times we must support each other and not bully or arm-twist.
“It’s our fundamental right to recover the cost of our film which we did, we may have two weeks window for Hindi version but for South we have four weeks window yet multiplexes ganging up on us and stopping our release there as well.
“This is unfair and cruel in these testing times when major territories like Maharashtra are also shut.
“Please let’s help each other in order to save theatres.”
It is believed that the reason is because the chains insist on a minimum exclusive theatrical window of at least four weeks.
While the makers of Thalaivii initially considered releasing the film on streaming platforms, they later accepted the cinema owners’ conditions.
Currently, cinemas are allowed to operate with 50% occupancy across India due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kangana previously expressed her anger at Instagram after she was unable to add the link to the Thalaivii trailer onto her bio.
In a lengthy note, she said:
“Dear Instagram I need to add my film trailer link to my profile.
“I am told my profile is verified so you own it now even though I have earned and build this name and profile over many years but on insta I need your permission to add anything to my own name or profile.
“Your team in India tells me that they need to take permissions of their international bosses.
“It’s been one week feeling like a slave of a bunch of white idiots.
“Change your East India Company attitude you morons.”
Kangana went on to say that she applied to have Thalaivii added to her name on Instagram but since then, the edit section of her account is locked.
She continued: “Now I can’t even add my trailer to my account in the website section.
“Such unprofessionalism from Instagram is unacceptable.”
Since being banned from Twitter, Kangana has voiced her opinions on Instagram.
However, she has often criticised the platform, saying that it “has no scope for any conversations and exchange of ideas” and is largely superficial.
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