The pandemic induced lockdown impacted many businesses last year, and when things were finally getting a little better, the number of cases across the country started to increase once again. The film industry was highly impacted by the lockdown, and as theatres were shut, many film-makers decided to release their films on an OTT platform or are planning to reschedle them for a later date. After a long wait of almost 8 months, when the government finally allowed cinemas to open, film-makers announced the release date of their films. Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao’s Roohi was amongst the first few big banner films to make it to the theatres.
Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi’s Chehre Postponed Due To Rising Covid-19 cases
Films like Sooryavanshi, Chehre, Bunty Aur Babli 2 were also scheduled to release in the coming months but with the rapid surge in Covid cases, the producers of these films are having second thoughts. While many film-makers have already announced that they will be postponing their films, some films are speculated to have a different release date amid the rise of coronavirus cases.
Here are some of the upcoming Bollywood films that have been delayed or might be delayed. Take a look:
Chehre
Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi’s Chehre was finally making it to theatres on April 9 but it was just two days back (March 31) when the makers of the film announced that they will be rescheduling the film. Sharing the news on social media, Emraan Hashmi wrote, “The well-being of our very own audience is of utmost importance to us. We are extremely humbled by the love and support that we have received this far. See you in the cinemas soon. Until then, stay safe! – Team #Chehre (sic).”
Bunty Aur Babli 2
Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Siddhant Chaturvedi and debutante Sharvari’s film Bunty Aur Babli 2 was scheduled to release on April 23. After seeing the possibility of another lockdown, the makers decided to delay the release of the film. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh announced, “#BreakingNews: #BuntyAurBabli2 – which was scheduled to release in *cinemas* on 23 April 2021 – has been postponed… #YRF will announce the new release date later. #SaifAliKhan, #RaniMukerji, #SiddhantChaturvedi #Sharvari (sic).” In a second tweet, he continued, “Due to the spike in #Covid19 cases and the impact on the entertainment industry in #India, #YRF has taken the call to push the release of #BuntyAurBabli2 ahead (sic).”
Haathi Mere Saathi
Rana Daggubati’s Haathi Mere Saathi has also been delayed due to the sudden rise in Covid cases. While the Tamil and Telugu version of the film titled Kaadan and Aranya had already hit the theatres on March 26, the Hindi version has been postponed indefinitely. “Dear viewers, it pains us to share this news but given the Covid-19 situation in the Hindi markets, the team of Haathi mere Saathi has decided to hold on to the release of the film. We shall keep you posted on further developments. However, we will be releasing Aranya and Kaadan in the South markets on 26th of March,” read an official statement issued by Eros Now.
Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson’s superhero film, Black widow is one of the most anticipated Marvel films. The film has already been delayed three times since the pandemic started last year. Scheduled to release in 2020 initially, the film then got its new release date to May 7, 2021. Seeing how the conditions were only getting worse, the makers have now delayed the release of the film and will be releasing it on July 9. The film will be having a simultaneous release in the theatres and on streaming service Disney Plus.
Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, has been waiting to hit the theares for over a year now. The film is finally making it to theatres on April 30, but rumours has it that the film will be delayed as well. A source told TOI, “With the suspension of night shows due to night curfews in cities like Mumbai and an atmosphere of uncertainty, it’s a huge risk for a big budget film to release in theatres at this point. Given people’s safety concerns, the film is unlikely to release on April 30. The film can either opt for a direct OTT release, simultaneous theatrical & OTT release or OTT release in 14 days after theatrical release.”
