Shimla Mirchi: Rajkummar Rao & Hema Malini’s Romantic Drama Won’t Release In Theatres?

Veteran director Ramesh Sippy’s latest directorial venture is titled Shimla Mirchi. The film marks Sippy’s return to the director’s chair after almost 25 years. The film is also being touted as veteran actor Hema Malini’s comeback film and features Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet in pivotal roles.

However, reports have now been doing rounds that the producers of the film, Viacom 18 have decided to give the film an OTT release. While this comes are a rude shock to several folks, the reason behind it remains unclear.

A certain source close to these developments has been quoted by Bollywood Hungama saying, “Viacom 18 has taken the decision (to release Shimla Mirchi on the digital platform) on their own. Rameshji had no say in the matter. He made the film in 2014 at a meager budget of 16-17 crores. It was meant to be a small sweet romantic film set in Shimla. Rameshji handed over the film to the producers in 2015. Just why they sat on it for 4 years and why they’ve decided to not give it a theatrical release is not explained. It isn’t as if small-town romances don’t work in theatres. Viacom themselves have released several such films. Recent films like Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh have done well. Then why this stepmotherly treatment to Shimla Mirchi?”

Whispers can also be heard that the Sholay director is mighty miffed with this decision of the producers. The industry grapevine is also abuzz that none of the actors too were consulted before making the decision about the release platform.

However, there is no official statement from either the makers or the producers.

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