RRR is set to be released in less than two weeks. The anticipation is high since it is S S Rajamouli’s quick follow-up to the landmark hit Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). The producers have gone to great lengths to promote it. The theatrical trailer was published in December 2021, and it has only increased to the excitement and buzz around the film. Originally, the film was set to be released on January 7, 2022. Due to the third wave of Covid-19, it was pushed back to March
Meanwhile, the filmmakers made a surprising revelation during the premiere of the theatrical trailer. At this event, PEN India’s Jayantilal Gada disclosed that RRR will only be released on OTT after 75 to 90 days in theatres. This comment went viral because it was out of the ordinary in the post-pandemic era, when movies are released on digital within 28 days of their theatrical debut.
Now, Bollywood Hungama has learned that the creators of RRR are planning another ground-breaking project. “We are thinking of releasing this film under a pay-per-view model,” Jayantilal Gada stated in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. This will happen after the film has been released in theatres and before it is available on digital SVOD (subscription video-on-demand). It’s something we’re discussing. It’s a brand-new product that we’re launching in a major way in the market.” Jayantilal Gada, on the other hand, declined to provide any further information.
Pay-per-view, also known as TVOD (transactional video-on-demand), is a popular idea in the West. As the name implies, it requires the user to pay a fee in order to see premium material for a period of 24 to 48 hours.
In the second part of 2020, Zee will introduce ZeePlex, a pay-per-view platform in India. Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday feature in Khaali Peeli, which was released immediately on ZeePlex. The film was seen by 299 people who paid Rs. 299 to see it. Then, on Eid 2021, Zee premiered the much-anticipated blockbuster, Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai, on ZeePlex. It may be viewed for Rs. 249 per watching. ZeePlex also released The Power, starring Vidyut Jammwal, as well as a few more regional films.
There were allegedly not enough takers for the pay-per-view model after Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai. It remains to be seen if the eagerly anticipated RRR makes it to SVOD and, if so, how well it does.
Meanwhile, the Hindi version of RRR will be available on Netflix, while regional versions will be available on Zee5.