In recent times, Bollywood has witnessed an unexpected yet fascinating phenomenon: the re-release of older films achieving significant success in theatres. As new movies, including high-budget, star-studded productions, struggle at the box office, nostalgic cinema-goers are flocking to see classics on the big screen. Films such as the gritty, revenge-filled 2012 hit “Gangs of Wasseypur” and the romantic drama “Laila Majnu,” which had a lukewarm reception during its 2018 debut, are now drawing large audiences. This trend is not just a means to fill cinema halls but also a way for exhibitors to recover some of their investments.

Trade experts and cinema owners point out that re-releases offer a dual benefit. They provide financial gains to the rights holders of these films and give movie-goers a chance to experience their beloved films in theatres once again. For instance, “Laila Majnu” saw an average occupancy of 40% across India, with some Mumbai locations even achieving over 80%. Trade analyst Atul Mohan confidently predicts similar success for “Gangs of Wasseypur.”

While newer films like “Stree 2” have managed to perform well, grossing over Rs 600 crore globally, many big-budget movies such as “Fighter,” “Maidaan,” and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” have faltered. However, exceptions like “Kalki 2898 AD,” “Munjya,” and “Crew” have shown that there’s still hope for contemporary Hindi cinema. Despite this, the re-release trend has gained significant traction this month alone, with films that are even available on streaming platforms making their way back to theatres.

Salman Khan’s classic romance “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989), the beloved “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein,” and the two-part epic “Gangs of Wasseypur” have all seen successful returns to the big screen. Other favorites such as “Rockstar,” “Jab We Met,” “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani,” “Chak De! India,” and “Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!” have also re-emerged in theatres for limited runs.

The re-release of “Laila Majnu” earned Rs 6.15 crore in just 14 days, a stark contrast to its initial poor performance despite favorable reviews. Nitin Datar, President of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, notes that the positive response to these re-releases is helping the exhibition industry engage with audiences in new ways. Jaipur-based distributor Raj Bansal acknowledges a marginal rise in business due to this trend, although he points out that re-releasing films is not a novel concept in Bollywood. The ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s saw similar successes with re-releases of films like “Mother India,” “Mughal-E-Azam,” and “Sholay.”

Today’s multiplexes find themselves compelled to release older films to avoid running empty theatres, bearing the costs of staff, electricity, and other expenses. Re-releases help generate revenue not just from ticket sales but also from concessions and parking fees. Ashish Kanakia, CEO of MovieMax Cinemas, emphasizes that while re-released films might not always bring huge profits, they are crucial for maintaining steady audience numbers.

The allure of watching these films on the big screen lies in more than just nostalgia; it’s about reliving the magic of cinema. Binita Bhimani, who watched “Rockstar” for the first time during its recent re-release, shared her excitement about experiencing its music and story in a theatre setting. Imtiaz Ali, the director behind films like “Rockstar” and “Laila Majnu,” attributes this trend to audience demand and appreciates that his films can return to theatres whenever fans wish.

Upcoming releases this September include Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency,” Hansal Mehta’s “The Buckingham Murders” featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Siddhant Chaturvedi’s “Yudhra.” Trade analyst Taran Adarsh points out that there’s a scarcity of new theatrical releases, making re-releases beneficial in urban areas where audiences are eager for such experiences.

Amit Sharma, MD of Miraj Entertainment Limited, highlights that re-releasing old films ensures a continuous flow of content for multiplexes. These re-releases might start slow but can gain momentum as word spreads. The strategy is not just about filling seats for a week but about sustaining interest over several weeks.

In summary, the re-release trend in Bollywood serves multiple purposes: it fills theatre seats, caters to nostalgic audiences, helps exhibitors recover costs, and keeps the magic of cinema alive. This approach allows both old and new generations to enjoy beloved films on the big screen once again.