Aamir Khan Questions Eight Week Window Between Theatrical And OTT Release Business Model: ‘Killing Own Business…’

Aamir Khan recently talked about the business model of theatrical and OTT releases. He stated that the 8-week gap between theatrical and OTT release is too small. The Bollywood superstar compared the current model with the previous one when films used to arrive on satellite after 6 months of theatrical release. While appreciating the previous business model, the actor said that the audience had only the choice to watch the movie in theatres, otherwise they had to wait for the television premiere. Aamir then emphasised that if people can watch on OTT in 6 to 8 week windows, then why would they pay and watch films in theatres. 

At a session in WAVES Summit,  Aamir Khan said “I just feel that, you see earlier films would come in theatres and then a year later on satellite. Then it became 8 months and then 6 months. So, what happens is, I have choice as audience to watch in theatre as it releases or I can wait 6 months and watch it on satellite.”

“So, if I have to be very honest with my audience when I'm marketing my film I have to tell my audience that my film is releasing but all those people who are on this particular subscription, they've already bought my film. They don't need to come to the theatres. So, according to me that window is too small between theatrical and OTT. You are killing your own business. It’s a faulty business model.” 

Aamir Khan will be next seen in Sitaare Zameen Par, which is slated to release in theatres in the middle of this year. The movie also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Rahul Kohli, Sonali Kulkarni and Darsheel Safary in key roles. It has been directed by RS Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao. The movie is an adaptation of the 2018 Spanish movie Champions.