Because western distributors have curtailed their film sales to Russia and big Hollywood studios have boycotting Russia over the current war against Ukraine, Russian movie theatres are planning to boost the number of screens and shows for Indian films.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin began Russia’s military activities in Ukraine, cinema theatres in Russia were still reeling from the coronavirus outbreak. The actions quickly escalated into a conflict, and Russia has faced sanctions and boycotts from Western nations in a variety of industries, ranging from movies to space technology, since the outset. These sanctions are primarily aimed at the Russian economy.
Following the announcements of numerous large international corporations departing from Russia, several film studios have opted not to distribute their films in the country. Walt Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony Entertainment are among the major companies that have postponed or cancelled major releases in Russia.
Following the statement by major Hollywood studios that new releases will be stopped in Russia, Russian cinema networks may resort to Bollywood blockbusters and films from other Asian and Latin American countries, according to the Russian daily Vedomosti. In 2021, foreign films accounted for 75% of the Russian box office. One of the most popular pastimes among Russians is going to the cinema. According to the news, the unified theatre network Cinema Park and Formula Kino recently had full houses and new visitors for a special showing of the film “Radhe Shyam.”
Ticket prices will not be raised; instead, they will be frozen. However, Russian and South Korean films, as well as Indian films, will continue to be shown in theatres. As a result, with the exit of big studios from Hollywood, it is a fantastic chance for Indian theatres and Indian filmmakers to benefit from the Russian market.
