Why PVR sued Bollywood’s Most Successful Producer

Today we break down the big clash between PVR Inox, India’s largest cinema chain, and Maddock Films, the production house behind the Stree franchise, Chhava and now Bhool Chuk Maaf. Just days before the latest film was supposed to hit theatres, Maddock decided to skip the big screen and release it straight to Amazon Prime Video, citing the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan. That move didn’t sit well with PVR Inox. They hit back with a ₹60 crore lawsuit, accusing Maddock of breaching their agreement and causing major financial losses. The two parties settled out of court but the conflict raises questions. While Maddock cited a war as the basis of its decision, will production companies try to pass theatres more and more, abruptly? Will the window of theatrical shows reduce? Given that films are not being pre sold for hundreds of crores to OTT platforms, will the importance of cinemas as exhibition platforms and revenue generators reduce more and more? Host Anirban Chowdhury and Rajesh Naidu chat with Anushree Rauta, Equity Partner and head of the Media & Entertainment practice at ANM Global, and Amit Sharma, who heads entertainment at Miraj Group. Tune in You can follow Rajesh Naidu on his Linkedin, Twitter profiles and read his Newspaper Articles.  You can follow Anirban Chowdhury on his social media: Twitter and Linkedin Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.