The rising cases of COVID-19 and its new variant Omicron have affected the film industry severely. Some theatres are being shut, others are operating on low capacity and fans are hesitant about visiting cinemas with the same enthusiasm. All these are the reasons why the producers of big films are skeptical about the release of their films in theatres.
First, Jersey, a sports drama starring Shahid Kapoor, got postponed from its original date of 31st December. Then S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR also got postponed indefinitely and now the YRF’s Prithviraj is also being postponed.
According to a trade source, “When you have a sure shot blockbuster at hand that will appeal to audiences across the country, you can’t gamble with such a huge product.”
The source further added that, “The YRF was waiting to see if the situation in India improves or not. But the pace with which Coronavirus cases are accelerating forced their hand to hold on to the biggest title. Everyone is looking at Prithviraj to take the box office by storm and set some new milestones in the post-pandemic era and YRF is committed to this belief. They will put this project out when it can set the box office on fire.”
Prithviraj also stars Sonu Sood, Sanjay Dutt and marks the silver screen debut of Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017. The film has been directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi.