Kangana Ranaut and theatre chain PVR Cinemas were engaged in a war of words last week after the latter refused to screen Thalaivii until the makers ensured a four-week gap between its theatrical release and subsequent OTT run. The story took a turn on Saturday with PVR agreeing to run the film’s Tamil and Telugu versions after the producers met the four-week demand. However, the multiplex chain was “disappointed” that the Hindi version will drop on Netflix India only after a two-week window, and took a hard stand against its big-screen outing.

Producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri says that while he empathises with the exhibitors, the two-week gap is a necessary measure in this hour. After all, backing Thalaivii — touted to be one of the most expensive woman-led films — comes with its share of risks. “As a producer who has invested so much money in the film, I have the right to recover the investment. Every producer is trying various means [to stay afloat] — some are taking the direct-to-web route, others are waiting for a few more months. I can recover the cost only if there is a two-week window because at this point, box office won’t give me the returns that we would get earlier.”

The biopic on J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was among the films that the exhibitors had hoped would turn the tide in their favour. While the Ranaut-starrer’s Tamil and Telugu versions are slated to drop on Amazon Prime Video in mid-October, Induri says his hands are tied as far as the Hindi counterpart is concerned. “If I opt for a four-week window [for the Hindi version], I will lose money and will land in a financial problem. I will never be able to make a film again.”

Despite the leading multiplex chain barring its release, he says the Hindi offering will enjoy a “wide reach” through local movie halls.

The A L Vijay directorial venture has another disadvantage — cinemas in Maharashtra continue to remain shut. But Induri is undeterred. “If I hold off the release and the third wave hits, I will lose out on seven months or so. Hence, the key people on the film have decided to go ahead with the September 10 release. Kangana stands by our decision.”