The film Indian 2, directed by Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan, was released on July 12, 2024. Despite high expectations, the film did not perform well at the box office. Following the release, the producers planned to stream the Tamil and Telugu versions of the movie on digital platforms four weeks after its theatrical release. However, the Hindi dubbed version was unexpectedly released online in less than six weeks.
This premature digital release has sparked controversy. The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has taken serious note of this violation, as it goes against the established guidelines for the theatrical release of Hindi films. These rules mandate an eight-week window before a movie can be made available on OTT platforms, ensuring that films have ample time to perform in cinemas.
The MAI has issued a legal notice to the team behind Indian 2, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines. According to a source, the MAI is particularly concerned that if one producer gets away with violating the rules, others might follow suit, undermining the entire system. The association aims to send a strong message to the industry, insisting that the eight-week window must be respected for all films released in North India.
The situation escalated when it was discovered that the Hindi version of Indian 2 was already streaming on Netflix, well before the stipulated eight weeks. This early release, originally scheduled for September 6, has caused significant displeasure among key players in the exhibition sector. The MAI’s decision to pursue legal action is seen as a way to prevent further breaches of the established norms.
As of now, more details are awaited, but this incident has highlighted the tensions between producers and exhibitors in an era where digital releases are becoming increasingly common. Meanwhile, Indian 3 is reportedly in the works, with a planned release in 2025.
