Viacom 18 denies rumours ‘Shimla Mirch’ of Netflix-only release
After facing some delays, Ramesh Sippy’ ‘Shimla Mirch’ is finally releasing on 3rd January. But rumours have suggested that in a surprise decision the release is limited to Netflix only.
“Viacom 18 has taken the decision on its own, Rameshji had no say in the matter. He made the film in 2014 at a meagre budget of 16-17 crores. It was meant to be a small, sweet, romantic film set in Shimla, which Rameshji handed over to the producers in 2015. Why they sat on it for four years and why they’ve decided not to 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’ (2019) and Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) have done well. Then why this stepmotherly treatment to Shimla Mirchi?” a source told The Asian Age. However, a source from Viacom 18 has denied this report to Hindustan Times, confirming a theatrical release.
Sippy is hoping for a theatrical release, but is comfortable with any platform. “I am very proud of ‘Shimla Mirchi’ and I’m glad it’s finally being released. The platform and format of release is the producers’ decision.”, he said.
‘Shimla Mirch’ stars Rajkummar Rao, Rakul Preet Singh and Hema Malini.
