Studios that have brand new films queued up for release are spending more time deciding on whether to release them in cinema halls or on streaming platforms. Another problem that plagues Bollywood is the non-availability of functioning theatres in the smaller towns, in the aftermath of the pandemic. Even after the lockdown was lifted, audiences did not come back to single-screen theatres in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, forcing a majority of them to down shutters. Bollywood has realised that it has to work alongside the streaming platforms. Many directors and actors have started accepting films that will be released exclusively on streaming platforms, signalling a shift in mindset, pointed out a source. Many producers have started negotiating with these platforms to set up time limit after which, a film released in theatres, can be shown on a streaming platform. The film 83, which was initially meant for a “theatres only” release, was released on a streaming platform 12 weeks after its theatrical release in the theatres. Meanwhile, the Telugu blockbuster Pushpa, which was considered a big success, was released on an OTT platform after just four weeks in the theatres. However, streaming platforms have not been able to match the box-office revenues, said a trade analyst to Outlook.