Priyadarshan’s Hungama 2 to opt for a digital release on Disney+ Hotstar

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging in the nation once again, filmmakers have been forced to retreat to OTT platforms and opt for digital releases. The sequel to Priyadarshan’s popular 2003 film Hungama was also rumoured to be considering a digital release in lieu of the cap on occupancy in theatres. Recently, Hungama 2 producer Ratan Jain confirmed that the comedy film is going the OTT way on Disney+ Hotstar.

Hungama 2 - starring Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty, Meezaan Jaffery, and Rajpal Yadav - marks Priyadarshan’s return to Bollywood after seven years. The plot is expected to act as a continuation to the events of the first film which revolves around a case of mistaken identity that unleashes hilarious events.

Added to the confirmation of an OTT release was the information that Hungama 2 was ready to be released six to eight months ago but owing to the current situation, the filmmakers thought it was best to wait.

Jain also revealed that the film will not be returning to theatres post pandemic since he does not believe that audiences will return to see the same film in theatres. Reports have also stated that it has been left up to Disney+ Hotstar to decide if the film will be made available in a pay-per-view format.

Upcoming Bollywood releases like Arjun Kapoor’s Bhoot Police and Kriti Sanon’s Mimi are also reportedly in talks with Disney+ Hotstar for a digital release. The success of digital releases and pay-per-view formats in India is evident after the popularity of Salman Khan’s Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai.

Filmmakers of Hungama 2 are yet to announce a release date for the film.