Not everyone will agree with Aamir Khan’s take on when films should hit OTT after theatrical run; can you guess the time gap he wants?

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Over the past few years, streaming services like OTT platforms have grown significantly in influence within the entertainment industry, transforming how people watch movies. Nowadays, films are frequently available for streaming only a few weeks after their initial theater release, making it more appealing for viewers to enjoy them at home due to convenience. This rapid shift from cinema screens to digital platforms has led to numerous debates, and recently, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has shared his opinion that the optimal timeframe between theatrical and OTT releases should be around 6 months.

During a conversation with ABP News, Aamir Khan voiced worries about how quickly movies are moving from theaters to streaming platforms after their release, a trend he noticed post-COVID. He believes this rapid shift might negatively impact the traditional income structure of the movie industry.

Aamir proposed that it’s best if there is a waiting period of at least six months after a movie’s premiere in theaters before it becomes available digitally. He underlined the importance of this timeframe, as it gives films multiple opportunities for revenue generation, starting from box office earnings, pay-per-view services, online streaming platforms, and finally free TV broadcasts.

Actor from “3 Idiots” expressed concern that reducing the theatrical release window could deter audiences from going to cinemas, since numerous viewers now opt to stream films at home instead.

Aamir made it clear that he isn’t hostile towards Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms; instead, he recognizes their beneficial role. For one, they offer fresh talents a chance to shine, and secondly, they play a substantial part in boosting the entertainment sector.

Yet, he contends that the recent practice of early OTT film releases is transforming viewer habits. Specifically, he noted that prior to this trend, viewers were often anxious about missing out on cinematic experiences in theaters. Nowadays, with movies being rapidly made available for home viewing, that sense of urgency seems to have lessened.

In summary, he emphasized that although Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms are beneficial, it’s crucial to employ a thoughtful approach in using them to safeguard the future wellbeing of the movie industry.

In my professional journey, you’ll find me gracing the silver screen once more in the compelling drama titled “Sitaare Zameen Par”. I’m thrilled to share this exciting stage with talented actors like Darsheel Safary and Genelia D’Souza. This film marks my return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus, and it’s set to captivate audiences on June 20, 2025.

Do you think there should be 6-month gap between film’s theatrical-to-OTT release?

With changing viewing habits and the rise of streaming platforms, the ideal gap between a film’s theatrical release and its OTT debut has become a hot topic. What’s your take?
Yes, 6 months is ideal to protect box office revenue
No, 1–2 months is enough in today’s fast-paced digital world
It should depend on the film’s performance in theatres

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2025-05-07 11:52