Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 gets into legal trouble for breaching OTT release guidelines

Indian 2

Kamal Haasan’s highly anticipated film Indian 2 is facing legal trouble after the Multiplex Association of India issued a notice for breaching OTT release guidelines.

The Hindi version of the film, which premiered on July 12, appeared on streaming platforms just six weeks after its theatrical release, contravening the established 8-week rule.

The Multiplex Association of India enforces strict guidelines that require a minimum of eight weeks between a film’s theatrical release and its availability on OTT platforms. This rule is intended to protect the interests of multiplex chains like PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis. According to Pinkvilla, the Indian 2 team received a legal notice due to this breach.

While the Tamil and Telugu versions of Indian 2 followed the rule, releasing on OTT four weeks after their theatrical debuts, the Hindi version’s early release has prompted the legal action.

The notice from the Multiplex Association highlights that any deviation from this 8-week window can jeopardize a film's future screenings in major multiplex chains. The association’s rules are designed to ensure that films have a full theatrical run before transitioning to streaming platforms, preserving the exclusivity and revenue of multiplex releases.

Despite high expectations, Indian 2 did not achieve the anticipated box office success, failing to replicate the success of the 1997 classic Indian, which was also directed by Shankar and starred Kamal Haasan. The sequel’s performance has been underwhelming, and the premature OTT release of the Hindi version has further complicated matters.

The legal notice underscores the significance of adhering to established industry norms and the potential repercussions of non-compliance. The Multiplex Association of India’s move reflects the broader industry's efforts to regulate streaming releases and maintain a balanced distribution strategy.

The outcome of this legal action may have implications for future film releases and their timing in both theaters and on digital platforms.