In a wave that is sweeping the nation, the re-release of classic films in theatres is witnessing a tremendous resurgence, pulling in crowds and boosting box office sales significantly. Cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru have emerged as hotspots for these nostalgic cinematic experiences, with audiences eagerly returning to the big screen to relive timeless movies. This trend has not only invigorated the cinema industry but also satisfied the deep-seated love for classic films among Indian movie-goers.
Theatre Re-Releases: A Revival of Tradition
The COVID-19 pandemic had almost sounded the death knell for traditional theatre experiences. With lockdowns forcing people to stay indoors, OTT platforms quickly became the primary source of entertainment. Even as the world began to reopen and theatres started functioning again, streaming platforms retained their stronghold over the audience. The post-pandemic era saw a significant shift in viewing patterns, with even blockbuster movies struggling to achieve pre-pandemic box office numbers.
In this shaky landscape, the concept of re-releasing old movies in theatres began to gain traction. Initially, this concept was relegated to short-term film festivals or anniversary celebrations of iconic movies. However, the overwhelming response from movie lovers, hungry for nostalgia, turned this into a full-fledged trend. Today, it is not uncommon to see classic films being re-released on the big screen week after week.
Notable Re-Releases of 2023
This year has seen numerous films from different genres making their way back into theatres. The list is long and impressive, featuring names like ‘Hum Aapke Hai Koun’, ‘Rockstar’, ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Veer Zaara’, and ‘Jab We Met’, among others. Remarkably, some films have even outperformed their original release numbers. Classics such as ‘Tumbbad’, ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’, and ‘Laila Majnu’ have found new life, earning more on their re-release than they did during their original runs.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas at BookMyShow, emphasized the strong cultural affinity Indians have with watching movies in theatres. He remarked, “The astounding response to the re-releases this year is a testament to the pure love Indians have for seeing their favorite films on the big screen. This tradition continues to be deeply ingrained in the country’s movie-going culture.”
“Tumbbad is leading the charge, captivating viewers with its unique storyline, followed closely by films like Rockstar, Laila Majnu, the beloved Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, and the evergreen Veer Zaara. These films have resonated deeply with both nostalgic cinema-goers and new audiences alike,” Saksena added.
The numbers support this enthusiasm, with leading cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad contributing the most to the footfall. This wave has also extended to other cities including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Nagpur, and Chandigarh, showcasing a widespread enthusiasm that spans the entire country.
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Kamal Gianchandani, President of the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the trend is here to stay. “We continually spark debates about streaming versus theatres, but these successful re-releases highlight a positive symbiotic relationship between the two. For instance, ‘Tumbbad’, available for streaming for 6-7 years, has garnered numbers akin to a brand-new release. This broad appeal is driven by streaming, word of mouth, and the inherent quality of the films. The success of ‘Laila Majnu’ could even be attributed to the newfound popularity of its actress. Re-releases are part of our strategy to cater to all segments of the audience, and we believe this trend will persist.”
The Resurgence and Redemption of ‘Tumbbad’
One film that stands out in this re-release phenomenon is the horror drama ‘Tumbbad’. Originally released in 2018, ‘Tumbbad’ failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Over time, however, it garnered a massive following on TV and OTT platforms, achieving cult status. This strong positioning in the audience’s minds led to a positive response when it was recently re-released in theatres.
Sohum Shah, the actor and producer of ‘Tumbbad’, shared his journey with the film. “When we completed ‘Tumbbad’ in 2012, it didn’t achieve what I envisioned. I felt a personal responsibility to keep pushing, so I dedicated another six years to perfecting it. The heartbreak of its initial failure in 2018 was immense,” Shah reflected.
“I knew the film hadn’t reached its potential audience. Now, in 2024, I’ve finally been able to present ‘Tumbbad’ the way it deserved. The sense of joy and satisfaction from witnessing audiences enjoy the film as I originally intended is unparalleled. This re-release has allowed me to fulfill my vision, and I’m now ready to move forward with ‘Tumbbad 2’,” Shah added.
A Resilient Tradition
The re-release trend signifies more than just box office success; it underscores a deeper cultural affinity for the collective cinema experience. As re-releases continue to draw crowds, they reaffirm the enduring magic of watching movies on the big screen. With nostalgia driving footfalls and new audiences discovering old classics, this trend shows no signs of fading away. Critics and industry experts believe that re-releases will remain a strategic component of the cinema industry’s future, blending modern streaming advantages with the timeless charm of theatres.
