After much speculation and hullabaloo about Bollywood and several stars being sceptical to release their films directly on OTT, looks like the industry is gradually realising the digital shift is indeed inevitable when the situation in the world remains so uncertain. While Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 and Netflix have already jumped the bandwagon by acquiring a handful of regional and Hindi films for direct digital releases, Disney+ Hotstar is now gearing up to release a slew of biggies on their digital platforms, starting this July 24.
Disney+ Hotstar, earlier in the day, had a virtual press conference hosted by Varun Dhawan, that was graced by several stars, including Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt and Abhishek Bachchan whose films are to release on the platform later this year. Uday Shankar, President of Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and Chairman of Star and Disney India, presided over the conference, adding that this would be a great advantage for filmmakers, stars and their fans alike for being able to watch great movies in the comfort of their homes in the time of their choice.
The engaging online discussion saw Ajay Devgn talk about his binge-watching habits, Alia Bhatt opening up on her newfound passion for guitar, Akshay Kumar’s fascination for Ludo and playing cards with his family in addition to Abhishek Bachchan voicing his happiness on sports action resuming in various parts of the globe.
The seven films that were announced during the press conference and that would land on Disney + Hotstar soon include late Sushant Singh Rajput’s last film Dil Bechara, Sanjay Dutt-Alia Bhatt and Aditya Roy Kapoor starrer Sadak 2, Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani’s Laxmmi Bomb, Abhishek Bachchan and Ileana De Cruz’s crime thriller The Big Bull, Kunal Khemu’s Lootcase, Vidyut Jamwal and Aahana Kumra’s Khuda Haafiz, Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj – The Pride of India.
Dil Bechara
Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi feature in this Bollywood adaptation of the novel ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. Mukesh Chabbra, popular casting director turns director for this film that has been in the cans for long now. To release on July 24, the film would be available for all viewers for free as a goodwill gesture in the context of its lead actor’s death.
Sadak 2
This film that marks the return of Mahesh Bhatt on the director’s chair is a much expected follow up to the 1991 release Sadak that starred Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt in key roles. The sequel features Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt and Aditya Roy Kapur in pivotal parts.
Laxmmi Bomb
While there was much confusion if this official remake of Lawrence’s Kanchana would land in theatres or opt for an OTT route, the spectators finally have an answer. Lawrence helms this remake where Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani reprise roles originally played by the director and Laxmi Rai.
The Big Bull
Abhishek Bachchan after a long time of inaction returns to play a part that’s loosely inspired by the life of Harshad Mehta whose scam rocked India in the early 90s. Kookie Gulati directs this film also starring Ileana and co-produced by Ajay Devgn and Anand Pandit.
Bhuj – The Pride of India
Ajay Devgn, riding high on the success of Tanhaji that released this year, comes up with another drama high on patriotism with Bhuj: The Pride of India, war action film based on historical true incidents directed, co-produced and written by Abhishek Dudhaiya. Sonakshi Sinha pairs up with the star in this outing.
Khuda Haafiz
One of the more popular action stars in the country, Vidyut Jamwal, known for his athleticism and adrenaline-pumping stunts in his films teams up with Aahana Kumra and Shivaleeka Oberoi for the romantic action thriller directed by Faruk Kabir.
Lootcase
This Kunal Khemu starrer after undergoing a series of theatrical release postponements is finally making to the streaming platform. The actor is paired alongside Rasika Dugal in this crime comedy, full of interesting twists and turns.
