On November 3rd, the Mani Ratnam-directed film Nayakan, starring Kamal Haasan, will be rereleased in theaters in honor of the actor’s birthday. In addition to Janagaraj, Vijayan, M. V. Vasudeva Rao, Delhi Ganesh, Nizhalgal Ravi, Nassar, and Tara, Saranya and Karthika also appear in the 1987 crime drama. It is partially modeled on both the 1972 American film The Godfather and the life of Bombay underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar.
In order to entice consumers back to the movies while many new releases are struggling to find an audience, movie theaters are re-releasing classic successes and planning special showing on the birthdays of well-known actors from the past.
The Amitabh Bachchan festival, which was held in honor of the actor’s 80th birthday in October, Dilip Kumar’s 100th birthday in December, Rajnikanth’s birthday, as well as a special screening of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” received favorable feedback, according to multiplex chains INOX and PVR.
Even in pre-Covid times, earlier hits, particularly those starring south Indian actors, would be re-released in theaters. However, the tactic lately acquired greater popularity, with 50–60 halls across metros playing older films for a period of four–five days.
Industry sources claim that even if the movies are streaming, a touch of nostalgia helps them draw viewers.
We’ve organized vintage hit movie screenings in the past, but it was done on a small scale and wasn’t as successful. However, since the Amitabh Bachchan celebration, the feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Rajendar Singh Jyala, chief programming officer at INOX Leisure, “it also has to do with the fact that we have been able to grow the number of screens and properties, as a consequence of which marketing has become viable.
All of these movies can be watched online, but Jyala has previously stated that seeing them in a theater adds a special element of nostalgia. INOX will keep looking for chances related to noteworthy events in the lives of former stars.
