To the cinema lovers, a much-awaited movie named “Kalki 2898 AD” was released worldwide today in several languages such as Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. It was also presented to the audience in various formats: 2D, IMAX or 3D. The number of people who booked earlier is quite high; those willing to go for IMAX are many. However this didn’t really happen due to disappointment for Kalki 2898 AD’s IMAX Hindi version morning shows that were played in some theaters.
One of the multiplex officials said that a distributor must issue a KDM (Key Delivery Message) which is like a passkey to start the film running on his theatre. This document allows the film to be accessed by the viewers and watched. Nevertheless KDMs for many IMAX cinemas did not reach until the release time of Hindi version of Kalki 2898 AD today and hence, they could not play the morning show. Therefore exhibitors had no option but to refund.
The source further disclosed that ,“We sold so many tickets because it’s one of the biggest films of year”. Once its patrons learnt about cancellation their faces became gloomy and unhappy with tears though few managed even shed blood out of their eyes we couldn’t do anything but express our sympathy. Since we lost hope too as only afternoon shows still awaited us now even if any key messages were received then it would be our pleasure despite everything.
Bollywood Hungama also got reports that due to this same reason there was no display of Tamil version in Chennai at an IMAX show. But what is left unaddressed here is how many screens weren’t able to play this first show either among them being those belonging to India’s leading cinemas namely PVR Cinemas and INOX Multiplexes etc.. “However, all Telugu versions went on smoothly without any hitches as the KDM was provided on time,” this source added.
On Monday, June 24, in a morning Bollywood Hungama had stated that the distributor of Kalki 2898 AD had asked exhibitors to hold their IMAX bookings. This led to ticket sales being stopped at all theaters. The following day evening- Monday- exhibitors were allowed to resume selling tickets with only one condition being made clear; it is only for the 2D version.
It stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Disha Patani. Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies C Aswani Dutt.
