The Indian film industry is buzzing with speculation about Indian 3‘s release strategy after Anurag Kashyap’s recent decision to bypass theatrical distribution for Nishaanchi 2. Following Indian 2‘s catastrophic box office performance, could director Shankar take the same OTT-first route to minimize financial risk?
The Anurag Kashyap Precedent
Anurag Kashyap’s crime drama Nishaanchi was released theatrically on September 19, 2025, but grossed only ₹1 crore at the box office, making it a massive commercial failure. In a surprising move, Nishaanchi 2 skipped theaters entirely and premiered directly on Amazon Prime Video on November 14, 2025, giving audiences access to both parts simultaneously.
This strategic pivot showcases how filmmakers are increasingly willing to leverage OTT platforms to recover from theatrical disappointments while still completing their creative vision.
Indian 2’s Box Office Disaster
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | ₹150 crore |
| Production Budget | ₹250-300 crore |
| Release Date | July 12, 2024 |
| Critical Reception | Heavily panned |
| Box Office Verdict | Colossal disaster |
| OTT Platform | Netflix (Released August 9, 2024) |
Indian 2 grossed ₹150 crores worldwide and became one of the biggest box office disasters in Kamal Haasan’s and Shankar’s careers. The sequel to the 1996 blockbuster faced severe criticism for its excessive runtime, weak screenplay, and outdated filmmaking approach.
The original Indian released in 1996 grossed ₹58 crore, which adjusted for inflation would be ₹800 crore today, highlighting how dramatically the sequel failed to live up to its predecessor’s legacy.
Why Indian 3 Might Go Straight to OTT
Audience Fatigue: After Indian 2 tested viewers’ patience with poor execution and a 3-hour runtime, theatrical prospects for Indian 3 appear bleak. The damaged brand reputation could severely impact opening weekend collections.
Financial Risk Mitigation: With both Indian 2 and Shankar’s recent film Game Changer underperforming, producers may prefer the guaranteed revenue from OTT licensing over uncertain theatrical returns.
Industry Trend: The direct-to-OTT model is gaining acceptance, especially for sequels of underperforming films. Streaming platforms offer better monetization for content that lacks theatrical appeal but retains niche audience interest.
Completion Over Success: Indian 3: War Mode is aimed for release in later 2026. Given the circumstances, completing the trilogy with dignity via OTT might be preferable to another public box office humiliation.
What This Means for Indian Cinema
The potential OTT release of Indian 3 would signal a major shift in how big-budget sequels handle box office failure. Rather than shelving projects entirely, filmmakers now have the option to complete their stories through digital platforms, reaching global audiences without the pressure of theatrical economics.
For more insights on Bollywood box office trends and OTT strategies, visit TechnoSports entertainment coverage and stay updated on the latest film industry developments. Learn more about Indian cinema on Wikipedia’s Indian Cinema page.
FAQs
Why did Indian 2 fail at the box office despite the original’s success?
Indian 2 suffered from multiple issues including outdated storytelling, excessive 3-hour runtime, weak screenplay, and poor critical reception. The film grossed only ₹150 crore against a budget of ₹250-300 crore, making it one of the biggest disasters in Shankar and Kamal Haasan’s careers. Audiences felt the sequel damaged the legacy of the beloved 1996 original.
Has Shankar confirmed Indian 3 will release on OTT?
No official announcement has been made yet. However, industry speculation suggests a direct OTT release is being considered given Indian 2’s box office disaster and following Anurag Kashyap’s precedent with Nishaanchi 2. The film is currently slated for a 2026 release, but the distribution strategy remains unclear.
