Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Manoj Bajpayee and Fatima Sana Shaikh is all set to release in theaters this Diwali. There was much conjecture about it as the trailer did not specify where it would be released. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shariq Patel, CEO of Zee Studios, clarified the movie’s release plans.

He said that just because “In Cinemas” was not mentioned does not mean the film would have an OTT release. He added that if  theaters in Maharashtra and Punjab allow it, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari will have a theatrical release. During Covid-19 times, a theatrical release cannot be taken for granted. Most movies have, and will be releasing on OTT platforms, and that has become the new norm. However, with cinema halls opening up soon, this could change.

Mr. Patel also added that the terms of an in-cinema release will have to be reworked. In Pre-Covid-19 times, the opening weekend decided how many shows the following week would have. In the current atmosphere, such a judgement cannot be made. Theaters will be operating at 50% capacity and people will still need to warm up to the idea of going to them. Hence, it would be unfair to reduce the shows in the following weeks to come. He says,

If I am having a thousand shows on Weekend 1, I don’t want those shows to be reduced to just hundred on Weekend 2… If we are willing to take a risk by releasing a film in cinemas at a time when they are allowed to function at only 50% capacity, then there should be a gesture from the side of the multiplexes to appreciate it

However, since it is 2020 and nothing can be guaranteed, a backup release plan is ready. If Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari cannot have a theatrical release, it will have an OTT one. The movie will be released on Zee Plex or Zee5.

The trailer for Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari looks absolutely hilarious. The movie seems like a full-fledged entertainer. We hope it gets the release the makers want. We cannot wait to watch it, whether it will be in theaters or at home.