Manish Shah Takes Tamil Cinema Global with Kanchana 4; Adheres to 8-Week OTT Window for Wider Theatrical Release
Manish Shah, the visionary behind Goldmine Telefilms and a pioneer in popularizing dubbed Hindi films, has announced his return to film production with Kanchana 4, the latest installment in the iconic horror-comedy franchise. After the groundbreaking success of Pushpa: The Rise – Part 01 (2021), which he introduced to the Northern belt of India, Shah is now stepping up to ensure Tamil cinema reaches greater heights, starting with this highly anticipated project.
The Eight-Week Rule: Reviving Theatrical Dominance
In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Manish Shah highlighted the challenges Tamil filmmakers face in the Hindi-speaking market. Unlike their Telugu counterparts, Tamil filmmakers have often chosen to release their films on OTT platforms after just four weeks in cinemas to secure immediate revenue. This decision has limited their theatrical runs and reduced box office collections, even for films with mass appeal.
Shah explained, “Tamil filmmakers prefer the four-week window because they want the money upfront from OTT platforms. However, they fail to realize that even if they take Rs. 20 crores less from OTT, they can potentially earn that amount or more from theatres. This lack of confidence has prevented Tamil films from performing as well as Telugu films in the Hindi market.”
In a bold move to change this narrative, Shah revealed that Kanchana 4 will follow the eight-week theatrical window before debuting on streaming platforms. “We’ll make sure that Kanchana 4 arrives on a streaming giant only after 57 days in cinemas. This way, it will be released in all the national chains. After 2.0 (2018), this will be the first Tamil film to achieve this feat,” Shah announced.
Kanchana 4: A Star-Studded Comeback
Directed by and starring Raghava Lawrence, the Kanchana franchise is beloved for its unique blend of horror and comedy. With Pooja Hegde and Nora Fatehi joining the cast, the fourth installment promises to be a massive entertainer. The film went on floors on January 23, 2025, marking the beginning of a project that could redefine how Tamil films are marketed and consumed in India.
Shah is confident about the film’s potential to replicate the pan-India success of Telugu blockbusters. “The Kanchana series has a proven track record. It has worked big time in cinemas and on satellite, including its dubbed Hindi versions. By adhering to the eight-week rule, we’re giving it the platform it deserves,” he emphasized. Also Read:- Saif Ali Khan’s Upcoming Movies to Watch Out for in 2025
The Legacy of Kanchana
The Kanchana franchise has consistently delivered hits, and its influence extends beyond Tamil cinema. The Hindi remake of Kanchana—Laxmmi (2020), starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani—introduced the story to a broader audience, proving the franchise’s universal appeal.
A New Era for Tamil Cinema
Manish Shah’s decision to stick to the eight-week OTT window could mark a turning point for Tamil filmmakers. By prioritizing theatrical runs, Kanchana 4 could open the doors for Tamil films to perform better in the Hindi-speaking markets, where Telugu films currently dominate.
With Kanchana 4, Shah is not only backing a blockbuster but also championing a movement to revive the theatrical experience and bolster the global reach of Tamil cinema. The film, with its stellar cast and innovative distribution strategy, is poised to set new benchmarks when it hits theaters. Also Read:- Akshay Kumar Reveals Why He Missed Bigg Boss 18 Finale, Mentions Salman Khan
