The highly anticipated social thriller 'Kuberaa,' starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna, and directed by Sekhar Kammula, is currently facing significant pressure regarding its planned mid-June theatrical release. Producer Suniel Narang has publicly disclosed a contentious situation with their digital streaming partner, Amazon Prime Video, highlighting the growing power dynamics in the film industry's digital age.
In a recent interview with Gulte, Narang candidly revealed that Amazon Prime Video has threatened to reduce their agreed-upon OTT deal by a substantial ₹10 crore if 'Kuberaa' fails to meet its pre-scheduled theatrical release date of June 20th.
Narang elaborated on the demanding stance taken by the streaming giant. "They have overtaken everything, and it all goes according to their will," he stated. "I requested them (Prime Video) to give me a few weeks' time and a July date because there might be a delay in post-production. They said they’ll cut ₹10 crore if I don’t release on June 20 as planned."
This revelation sheds light on the intense pressure faced by filmmakers to adhere to strict timelines, even when unforeseen post-production challenges arise. The incident underscores the increasing influence of OTT platforms in dictating release strategies and financial terms, potentially impacting the creative process and profitability for producers.
'Kuberaa' is a major project for Sekhar Kammula, known for his nuanced storytelling, and the film's ensemble cast has already generated considerable buzz. The ongoing discussions over its release date and the potential financial implications add another layer of complexity to its journey to the big screen. The industry watches keenly to see how this high-stakes negotiation ultimately plays out.
