Actor Akshay Kumar is set to release his much-anticipated film Bellbottom in theatres. Though Maharashtra has yet to open theatres, the rest of the country is gradually doing so. The filmmakers are, in fact, taking a risk with this picture, hoping to see how it performs at the box office.
Bellbottom is already getting the hype it needs. During the film promotions on August 9, when asked if half the job is done due to the positive feedback on the trailer, Akshay Kumar says, “This is one territory which you and I cannot guess. God knows what is going to happen because now going to theatres is the people’s call. It’s a risk. Just hoping that people are going to realise that when we are watching a movie we are looking at the screen and not looking at each other. It’s less risky I think.”
He admits Maharashtra does bring a lot of money and it remains closed. Even with that, they are willing to go ahead with theatrical release. “See Maharashtra is closed. 30% of the money comes from Maharashtra. 50% occupancy in other states that means 50% of the other 70% is also gone. But we have to take a risk. I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping Maharashtra opens up before 19th,” Akshay adds.
Giving an example of a recent release in North, he says, “Recently, in North, a Punjabi film released. The first day collection, I think, was around Rs. 11 lakh. From Monday onwards, it went onto become Rs. 35 lakh. To be honest, people are going to cinemas and watching [the films]. Just now, during India vs England match, there were around 50,000 people in the stadium.”
“I am also working. My job is even more dangerous than any job. I can’t shoot with my mask on in front of 10 people who are all delivering dialogues. Nobody is allowed to wear mask – Woh mere pe thook raha hai aur main uspe (They are spitting on me and I am on them) (laughs). So we have to work. From spot boy to everyone else with masks – it is a dangerous thing but we have to do it,” he adds.
The reason he is willing to take the risk is to review cinemas and help the daily wage workers with their earnings. “For one and half year, I was very lucky to survive and then I got COVID-19. See, it is easy for me to sit home – I have that money so I can just do that. But, what about the workers? They are also in need for work. From when COVID-19 started till today, I have finished 5 films,” he says.
Bellbottom will be unlocking cinemas after a long haul. The film will hit the theatres worldwide on August 19, 2021.
