Will Bell Bottom pave the way for theatrical releases finally? Early trends in Tricity shows encouraging signs

On August 3, when the trailer of Bell Bottom was released, it was one reassuring step for theatre-goers, filmmakers and film distributers. As the film hit theatres on Thursday morning, ahead of Festival weekend, becoming the first movie to be released on big screens after March 2020, it has become the deciding factor for other producers whether to go for big screen releases or still play safe and opt for OTT.

As much as Bell Bottom fits the bill for a movie that is a mix of big names, true story, thriller and entertainment to attract the masses, it also deemed as a litmus test for Akshay Kumar.

The spy thriller has Akshay Kumar, Huma Querrshi, Vani Kapoor and Lara Dutta as the main cast and is directed by Ranjit Tewari.

As Lara looks convincing in the trailer as Indira Gandhi, the film is based on true events of a plane hijack that took India by storm. The actor too shared his feelings on the big release and the weight the film carries on its shoulders to bring the cinemas back to life. He wrote, “That nervousness of one day before the release is back and swear to God I’ve missed it. Here’s another friendly reminder :) #BellBottom releasing tomorrow.”

We hope it will set the road for other big budget movies such as Sooryavanshi, K.G.F Chapter 2, and 83.

Thursday is the new Friday

Pollywood movies Tunka Tunka and Puaada were released on August 5 and August 12, respectively, and now the release of Bell Bottom has turned Thursdays into new Fridays for film releases.

Akshay’s wife Twinkle Khanna on Thursday morning too shared a post, “Looks like a walk in the park but we are actually heading to something even better, the screening of Mr K’s fabulous movie-BellBottom! #mustwatch.”

It’s a must-watch according to Twinkle Khanna but let’s look at the turn out in tricity. The first show had only few seats occupied in the theatre as it was a working day, but post 3 pm, locals did step out to greet the actors on the 70 mm screen.

All the major cinema halls and PVR remained open to public on Thursday except for VR Punjab which will reopen in the coming week.

We ask the audience about their take on the film.

First Day First Show

Thrilling view

It’s a good film and I am glad to see such stories coming out of Bollywood which promote real heroes and desh bhakts. Not just Akshay Kumar, every other character did justice to their roles.

Gurtej Brar, lawyer

Good to be back

I was waiting for one good film to walk into theatres and this was it. All the actors were great and we were glued to our seats till the end.

Raashi Dhiman, student

Not boring

Defense related movies turn out to be little boring at times, but it has done well. It has humour too in the first half. There are pretty intense nail-biting moments in the film.

Sukhman Kaur, analyst

Lara shines

The suspense in the film keeps you hooked to the story. Lara Dutta was great as Indira Gandhi, but Vani Kapoor’s role did not add much to the plot. It’s a one-time watch.

Sneha Mahajan, student

— As told to Sheetal