Padmaavat to hit screens today in Karnataka

The controversial Hindi film 'Padmaavat' is hitting screens on Wednesday, a day ahead of its official release on January 25.

The idea is to cash in on the excitement and make money on previews, according to K C Mohan, senior exhibitor.

Some industry insiders said a Wednesday release was rare, and the exhibitors were trying to beat the Karnataka bandh on Thursday, but Mohan said the decision had nothing to do with it.

"Both Baahubali and the recent Kannada movie 'Humble Politician Nograj' were released on a Thursday, a day ahead of their slated release. Many advance the release of their films by a day to make more money," he said.

Only the 3D version of 'Padmaavat' will be out on Wednesday, and only at the multiplexes. The regular 2D version will hit screens as scheduled on January 25.

A distributor said film-makers use social media and online platforms to attract audiences for shows a day ahead of the release. Tickets are priced at a premium.

Executive and VIP class tickets in some Bengaluru multiplexes were sold out at some multiplexes by Tuesday evening.

Not everyone is happy with the early release. "Certain people don't respect decisions on release dates. We are minorities in our state and are helpless," said Rajendra Singh Babu, president of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy.

Sa Ra Govindu, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, echoed the sentiment. "Within five days of Kannada films being released, they are being taken off to make way for 'Padmaavat'," he said.