Varun Dhawan says OTT platforms fund 70 per cent of a movie: ‘You can’t make a film without an OTT partner’

Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal is set to release on Amazon Prime Video soon. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is made on a huge scale so it was only natural for cinegoers to wonder as to why it was being released on an OTT platform.

When asked about the same, Varun told Bollywood Hungama that it is not possible to make a film without an OTT partner in the current economic climate. He said, “Theatres are not going anywhere. They are here to stay. The collective experience of watching a film and celebrating is still there and we love it. As actors, that’s the biggest joy and high you get. But, in today’s economic climate, you cannot make a film without an OTT partner. Because 70 percent of your capital to make a film is coming from… (OTT) 70 percent. So you should ask any producer how important the OTT players are for them to make films today. They will tell you how important they are.”

Janhvi Kapoor added, “We can’t ignore that OTT platforms are a big part of the industry now.”

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Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Bawaal will stream on Amazon Prime Video from July 21.

The trailer of the movie was launched earlier this week in Dubai. At the trailer launch, Varun Dhawan said, “This film (Bawaal) is about the truth. It’s all about what you want from life and your insecurities. I have never been as sure about a film as I am about Bawaal.”

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He added, “Working with Nitesh sir was always on my bucket list. I still remember, I often asked Nitesh sir to make a film with me in Covid times. Finally, after 7-8 months, he had a story for me. I personally feel it is one of my best characters. This is closest to the reality.”