The deal on the Akshay Kumar starrer Laxmmi Bomb is almost done. While the monetary aspect of the deal is still pending, the agreement is also stuck in limbo due to a fervent appeal from the fans to release the film in the theatres, after learning that the film will release on OTT platform.
“Laxmmi Bomb was the first big film which was approached for an OTT deal. With the film being an offbeat subject, it was being thought that it was a cakewalk, but the bomb didn’t burst that early. The makers have been negotiating for a good price, which started at '130 crore and has now come to '125 crore.
The fact of the matter is that Akshay obviously wants to give the impression that his film can make a certain amount of money in profits for the producers, which will help him sustain his brand equity.
On the other hand, the fans are not really keen that a film starring Akshay should release on a digital platform. So they are taking their time to finally ink the deal and make the announcement,” says a trade source.
Sources also add that a leading filmmaker also advised Akshay against an OTT release, but the monetary compulsions of the project will make the film end up on the digital platform.
“The interest on the monies invested will keep accruing with the delay. They should have been counting the box office collections now, a week after the release on Eid,” adds the source.
The question is, who will blink first?
Directed by Raghava Lawrence, Laxmmi Bomb is the remake of Tamil hit Muni 2: Kanchana and also stars Kiara Advani in the lead.
