Can ‘Vakeel Saab’ overcome new fears?

‘Vakeel Saab’ is all set to hit the screens on April 9. The spectre of the second wave of coronavirus in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh hasn’t bogged down the spirit of the makers. While the producers and fanboys are spirited and are waiting to taste a box-office success, there are certain fears for sure.

The second wave is most likely to prompt another round of occupancy limits. Till February first week this year, the Union Government had mandated 50% limits in theatres. Cinema halls in Maharashtra have reimposed the limits, with Karnataka following suit from April 1. Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar’s ‘Yuvarathna’ has released in this context. Many fans of the Kannada superstar are miffed that the government has imposed the restrictions all of a sudden, resulting in collections being affected. 

Sooner or later, the Centre is feared to reinstate the 50% occupancy limits in cinema halls across the country. If that happens, ‘Vakeel Saab’ and the subsequent April releases (read ‘Love Story’, ‘Tuck Jagadish’, ‘Thalaivi’, ‘Virata Parvam’, ‘Paagal’, etc.) will be affected severely. Sankranthi releases released with 50% limits in place. They made profits (with the exception of ‘Alludu Adhurs’) for distributors because deals were negotiated keeping the limits in mind. 

On the other hand, ‘Vakeel Saab’ deals have been negotiated keeping the 100% occupancy norm in mind. Owing to Pawan Kalyan’s superstardom, distributors have bought the courtroom drama by paying big sums. It’s in this context that the remake will be hitting the screens. Tollywood, not just stakeholders of the film, must be keeping their fingers crossed!