Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma’s horror-comedy, Roohi, which is the first major big screen release from Bollywood after theatres reopened amid the global Covid pandemic, has become the latest victim of film piracy. The movie, which also took the OTT route simultaneously, has been leaked on social media platform, Telegram. Also Read – Roohi: Varun Sharma feels ‘deeply overwhelmed’ by the response the film and his performance are receiving — here’s what he has to say [Exclusive]

On the other hand, the much-hyped horror comedy Roohi managed a first-day collection of Rs. 3.06 crore (nett), upon releasing on the festive holiday of Maha Shivratri on Thursday. The film co-produced by Dinesh Vijan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba has opened to mixed critical response. And it seems like, the movie is going to take a toll on its overall box office collection due to the online leak. Also Read – Dance Deewane 3 PROMO: Roohi’s Janhvi Kapoor goes on a candlelight date with a contestant

Trade analysts had earlier shared that theatre releases are just a formality and films will make a move after a theatre run on OTT platforms, courtesy the pandemic. However, Dinesh Vijan begs to differ. Also Read – Roohi movie public review: Has the Junta loved or hated the Janhvi Kapoor-Rajkummar Rao-Varun Sharma starrer? — watch video

“We could have gone digital last year and yes, there would be a lot of upfront money for it but the idea is that we waited for it and came into theatres properly. We have promoted the film, music. Everyone’s aware that the film is coming,” he said.

He added, “Maybe what they meant was some films are coming as formality to go to digital later but this film has a clean run in theatres, has been promoted. We are going very wide with it. So, this is not a formality.”

Dinesh Vijan has bank-rolled films such as Badlapur, Bala and Stree among many others. The filmmaker agrees with the advent of digital and satellite rights, the risk factor for a producer incurring losses has reduced.

“Digital is a significant contributor but the difference for me is that the audience chooses to go to a theatre and watch a film, so it is a more challenging or daunting task to do — because you need to engage your viewer to come and watch and like film,” Vijan said.

He firmly believes that a “true perception” of a film comes with its theatrical release. “It’s a very reactive medium but, yes, with the advent of new avenues, digital and satellite takeaway comprise a considerable amount of your risk even if you go theatrical. But if it runs in theatres there are so many years of legacy that stays,” he said.

(With IANS Inputs)

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