Multiplex players INOX and PVR have defended the long-standing theatrical release window, essentially placing their views on Reliance JioFiber's offering 'First Day First Show', which would let premium users watch movies the same day that they are released in theaters. Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani had announced the 'disruptive' offering two days ago at the company's AGM. PVR pointed out that the theatrical release window has been a 'valuable model', producers have maintained a 'sacrosanct gap' between a theatrical release and release on all other platforms like DVD, DTH, TV, and OTTs. Both INOX and PVR noted that this is a model followed internationally and replicated in India, and it is how the multiplex business has remained viable. Cinema continues to deliver robust box-office performance in India and also "matured" markets such as USA, China, Europe, where cinemas already compete with newer initiatives like Netflix Original movies, noted PVR. The film producer is the owner of the creative content and is entitled to choose the platform for distribution and consumption of his content, said INOX. In a scenario where movies can be released on theaters or on other platforms, the producer would have to choose between either theatrical exhibition or release on any other platform "since release on both simultaneously would breach the mutually agreed exclusive theatrical window". Both multiplexes avoided mentioning Reliance or Jio, and both said they're placing their initial observations, as little detail is available about the offering. PVR operates 748 screens in 64 cities in India…
