The producers of PRAAN JAYE PAR SHAAN NA JAYE have released their film all over, except the four territories – Delhi-U.P., East Punjab, Bihar and Bengal – due to the ongoing strike. Though A.M.P.T.P.P. has given the green signal, the decision has raised many eyebrows among the producers' fraternity. So, is it a wise move? Would other producers, who are ready with their films, follow suit?
HARRY BAWEJA
Qayamat
"Honestly, in the case of QAYAMAT, I won't do it. On the flip side, it can prove to be a very smart move. For instance, if you take my previous film YEH KYA HO RAHA HAI, the business done in the territories where P.J.P.S.N.J. will not be released, was negligible. Also, due to no competition, P.J.P.S.N.J. is sure to have a free run. Actually, the decision to release the film in a few circuits depends on so many things – the storyline, the appeal, the cost structure."
HARISH SHAH
Jaal – The Trap
"I think it's wrong move not to release the film in the four territories. Another disturbing fact is that there is no unity among the producers. The decision to release their film while the strike is still on sends wrong signals about the unity and the cause of the strike. They should have waited for some more time. Agreed, they have to face losses, but even we are waiting with our finished films."
RAUF AHMED
Haasil
"As it is the producers are facing losses. And to compound the problems, the exhibitors of Maharashtra have also announced their strike from May 16. Considering that many people associated with the films have to be paid, the producers would be left with no other choice but to release their film hoping to cash on the advantage of a free run. Other than that there seems to be no justification for this move."
VISHAL NIHALANI
Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost
"Whether or not the film is released in the four territories, is not the issue. If the film is good it will work irrespective of the lean period that the industry is currently going through. However, I will not release my film only for the sole reason that I stand with the association's decision. I would rather wait for the strike to get called off than take a hasty step."
RAMESH TAURANI
Ishq Vishk
"It's their personal decision. I am sure a lot of thought must have gone into it before they decided to release their film. The investment, the expectant returns, the story, all would have been considered. In the case of my film, the various aspects related don't fit the bill for me to release the film."
AMAR SHARMA
Ek Hindustani
"In the face of the adversity, due to lack of good films and rampant piracy, it seems the producers of P.J.P.S.N.J. have taken a risk by releasing their film. But on the other hand, if the film is good, it will work irrespective of the current crisis. Personally, I will not release my film that way, as I have to stand by my association. Today, if I co-operate with the association, they in turn will support me when I need them. Otherwise, the distributors might take undue advantage of such a situation."
The Producer Speaks
RAJ LALCHANDANI
Praan Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye
"It indeed is a tough decision not to release the film in the four territories. But we are hoping to cash in on the open run, which should boost the business of the film. You're bound to incur losses when you don't release the film in several territories, but you have to hope for the best because the final decision rests with the audience. Agreed, pirated VCDs of the film may dampen the prospects of the film, especially in those circuits where the film has not released, but you also have to consider the fact that piracy happens even when the film is released all over. I also wish to add that the exhibitors' decision to go on a strike further influenced our decision to go for an early release."
