India went into a complete Coronavirus-induced lockdown on March 24, and it has been more than six months since any Bollywood film released in theatres. While the government has allowed the reopening of several business establishments in a phased manner, there is no update on the resumption of theatres in the country.
Theatres owners have been urging the government to allow them to restart cinemas for quite some time now, but there has been no assurance of any kind. Over the past few weeks, several celebrities have also expressed their views on the reopening of theatres.
Aditi Rao Hydari, who has established herself as one of the leading actresses not only in Bollywood but the southern film industry as well, is also dying to have that big-screen experience in a theatre.
“A lot of the films are made for theatres and theatres cannot be compared to any other experience. It is a very special experience. It is very magical and immersive. You cannot compare,” she says.
The actress adds, “Some films can only be enjoyed in a theatre, like my latest V but having said that I am very happy considering that the audiences were waiting for the film, and also how we must safeguard our producers, etc, I am sure we made the right decision to go to an OTT. But theatre is always special to me.”
Over the past few months, several films meant for theatres had to release on various streaming media platforms, including Hydari’s Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020) and V. The actress says that the decision of releasing a film theatrically or digitally does not lies in an actor’s hand.
“I do not have knowledge as a marketer and I do not want also. I am an artist and I want to come on set, do my job to the best of my capabilities, and create great cinema. What happens after that on the field, in the market is not in my hands. That is something I do not like to think about,” she explains.
The actress, however, feels that streaming media platforms have indeed been of great help for the industry and audiences alike in times of the pandemic.
Swaroop Sampat-Rawal stands inside the University of Worcester after receiving her new Fellowship 
Swaroop speaks with students 
University leaders congratulate Swaroop on her contribution to creative learning
Swaroop Sampat-Rawal and David Green 
