Diljit Dosanjh, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Manoj Bajpai starrer, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari has become the first film to release in theatres during Corona times. With a series of unlockings, cinema halls were granted permission to run by taking proper safety measures. Social distancing norms were also set in place with the seating set apart.
So, credit goes to the makers of Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari to take the initiative and make use of rules to release the film in theatres, unlike other films that have been releasing on OTT up until now. While it remains to be seen if other makers will follow suit, good news for the team of SPMB is that the film raked in Rs 80 lakh on the very first day.
This might not be a huge amount, but it is a considerable amount, given the present conditions. People did gather at cinema halls to watch the film and long queues could be seen due to social distancing.
The film released on Sunday, exactly on Diwali instead of the conventional Friday. To boost the morale of the cine-goers, Diljit Dosanjh, Fatima Shaikh and director Abhishek Sharma visited a multi-plex in Mumbai. Later, Manoj Bajpai and Diljit Dosanjh took to social media to thank people for taking time out to come watch their film in theatres.
Another highlight is that the film released across 200 plus screens across USA, Canada, Middle East, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. It happens to be the biggest Indian release in Australia post-lockdown in Australia, where the makers Zee has tied up with Hoyts cinemas.