A strong sense of deja vu for the film industry as the new variant of coronavirus Omicron enters the world and the industry is heading to shut the business.
Current Scenario Of The Bollywood Industry
Indian Cinema is heading for closure for the third time since 2020. The pandemic has stopped the release of the big-budget ventures awaiting on theatres facing new challenges in this year ahead.
Bollywood Movies Postponed Due To Omicron
Here are the top Bollywood big-budget movies postponed after the effects of the new variant of coronavirus, Omicron.
JERSEY
The upcoming emotional sports drama, Jersey is a Telugu remake of the same name, starring Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur. The movie was prepared to release in theatres on December 31 but got postponed due to the effects of the new covid variant, Omicron. The inflating covid cases have worsened the situation globally resulting in the closure of the cinemas.
RRR
The most awaited movie of the director, S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR featuring South Indian superstars, Ram Charan and Jr. NTR was scheduled for its release on January 7. Postponing the film, the makers penned down: “Inspite of our relentless efforts, some situations are beyond our control. As many Indian states are closing theatres, we are left with no choice but to ask you to hold on to your excitement. We promised to bring back The Glory of Indian Cinema, and at the right time, WE WILL.”
GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI
A yarn of anecdotes of a woman ruling the world of the underworld, Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt is a story based on the life of a real sex worker mentioned in the book Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S. Hussain Zaidi. The movie was set to release in cinemas on February 18 but got postponed due to the current pandemic situation. It features renowned actors like Ajay Devgan, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz and Seema Pahwa. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biographical crime drama was believed to be a blockbuster this year but the unforeseen rise in the covid cases has pushed its release further.
RADHE SHYAM
Baahubali emerged star, Prabhas Raju and Pooja Hegde’s emotional-romantic drama, Radhe Shyam scheduled to release on January 14, 2022, has been postponed due to the global hike of covid cases. The teaser was promising indeed and a feast for Prabha Raju’s fans to see him back on the Bollywood screen again. The new release date is yet to be decided by the makers.
PRITHVIRAJ
The movie, based on the life of the great warrior in Indian history, Prithviraj Chouhan was going to be one of the most anticipated films of 2022. The historical drama, featuring Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar was scheduled to release on January 21. Unfortunately, this film got postponed too. It seems grievous days for Bollywood ahead resulting in huge losses this year.
Anticipated Loss Of The Industry This Year By The Expert
“The industry may suffer a loss of around 5000 crores after the closure of the theatres due to the pandemic this year,” states the Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nath.
It seems a tough challenge for Bollywood with no clarity about the situation getting back to normal.
Good Luck Bollywood!