HIT 3 Karnataka distributor on Kannada version’s limited release: Market dynamics dictate; will increase if…

Every time a big-ticket movie from a neighbouring state releases in Karnataka, there is some clamour – mostly online – to allocate ample number of screens/shows to a Kannada dubbed version, if available. If the provision of a dubbed version is made, it is often miniscule, compared to the original version, which is then called out, and if no effort is made to dub it in Kannada, that too becomes a problem.

Throughout all of this, distributors have, time and again stated that the number of shows/screens given to a Kannada-dubbed version is directly proportional to the demand for the same. And that very often their hands are tied when exhibitors insist on playing the original only. This week, Telugu star Nani’s (of Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha , Jet Set Go , Jersey, etc., fame) newest film, HIT 3 will be at the Karnataka box office and he has chosen to release a Kannada-dubbed version as well, something he has been doing for all of his films in recent times.

HIT 3 Kannada version to get 50 screens in Karnataka

Nani admits to have used AI technology to make the dubbing sound like him, which he thinks will be a better experience for audiences, but adds that audiences would have to watch it in the Kannada then. According to Kumar of Bangalore Kumar Films, who is distributing HIT 3 in Karnataka, the film will get 50 screens for the Kannada version, while the Telugu original gets 90+.

How many shows each of these screens will have for the Kannada version vis a vis the Telugu one remains to be seen. On April 28 at 10 pm, HIT 3 had around 180 shows in Bengaluru alone for the Telugu version, which, as of noon on April 29 has gone up to 270, of which, 50 are already sold out for Day 1. The Kannada version has 9 shows in the 5 halls that have opened online bookings.

Addressing this, Kumar said, “Market dynamics dictate the allocation of screens/shows. From a purely business perspective, it is impossible to divide the screens and shows among Telugu and Kannada. The demand is for the Telugu version, with the Kannada version being released only in hardcore Kannada centres. If there is more demand for the Kannada version, we will, no doubt, increase shows. We’ve done what is required now.”

HIT 3 is the third instalment in Sailesh Kolanu’s HIT universe and has Nani playing a cop for the first time in his career. The Jersey star is paired with KGF and Cobra fame Srinidhi Shetty, with rumours doing the rounds that he is both protagonist and antagonist in the tale.