Dulquer Salmaan: Films are getting one or two-week window

After Kerala exhibitors boycott him for taking digital route with Salute, Dulquer says backlog of theatrical releases led to the decision

The release of one’s passion project should be a reason to rejoice. But Dulquer Salmaan, whose production Salute dropped on SonyLIV over the weekend, finds himself in a quandary. The investigative thriller was initially slated to hit theatres on January 14, but had to be deferred due to the third wave of the pandemic. The actor-producer then decided to take the OTT route — a move that has irked the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK). As a result, the FEUOK has decided to boycott Salmaan’s upcoming movies. 

A still from Salute

“I understand where they are coming from. These are peculiar times because of the lockdown and COVID-19. Amid this, OTT platforms have become popular,” begins Salmaan. While the actor’s last two releases Kurup (2021) and Hey Sinamika hit the marquee, he reasons that a digital premiere appeared to be a prudent move for Salute. “A large volume of films is awaiting release. Most films are getting a window of one or two weeks before the next movie [hits the marquee]. Right now, it’s a phase of transition before we reach normalcy. So, we will have to choose the films that can go to theatres, and the ones for OTT. Over time, the balance [will be restored]. I only have goodwill towards theatre owners. There is no bigger excitement than releasing a movie in cinema halls.” The decision will reportedly be presented in the FEUOK’s general meeting by the month-end.

Director Rosshan Andrrews’ Malayalam film sees Salmaan as a cop who is hell-bent on getting to the bottom of a case, while being tailed by his colleagues. “I wasn’t seeking a cop role, but when this came my way, I wanted to do it. It felt rooted,” he says. Up next, he has R Balki’s Chup, which sees him return to Hindi cinema after three years. Though happy to juggle Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films, Salmaan doesn’t take the label of pan-India actor too seriously. “I don’t understand the term. A film travels on its own merit. I don’t know if we should package a film such that it matches the sensibilities of [the audience] across the country. I just go by the script. I want to keep surprising my audience.”

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