Salman Khan’s new flick `Radhe’ will be released on streaming and DTH platforms, apart from theatres, in a multi-prong strategy drawn up by producer Zee Studios in times of Covid-19.

The film is scheduled to release mid-May coinciding with Eid holidays.

`Radhe’, according to Variety magazine, will release theatrically worldwide, wherever cinemas are open, as scheduled on May 13. The film will also be available on OTT platform ZEE5 to all annual premium subscribers for a one-time viewing.

In India, the film will simultaneously release in theatres and on ZEE5 via pay-per-view service ZEEPlex, and also on rival DTH satellite platforms like DishD2H, Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV.

“The ongoing pandemic forced us to innovate, and we are proud to be the first to embark upon this new distribution strategy,” Variety quoted Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios as saying.

“While we all love to catch the latest movies at the nearest theatres, we realized we’d be doing a disservice to Salman’s fans nationwide if we aren’t able to release theatrically in all Indian states. We sensed the need for a pay per view solution along with theatres, which gives the consumers flexibility and convenience of viewing the film. There cannot be a better film than ‘Radhe’ to offer the audiences who’ve been waiting for an out and out entertainer for over a year now. ‘Radhe’ continues our network’s deep relationship with Salman Khan and we are looking to release the film in over 40 countries including theatrical release in major overseas markets,” Patel added.

The film is presented by Salman Khan films in association with ZEE Studios, produced by Salma Khan, Sohail Khan and Reel Life Production Private Limited.

“It’s imperative that we all come together and think of out-of-the-box solutions for cinema as an industry during the current pandemic situation,” said a spokesperson for Salman Khan Films to Variety, adding, “We will support the theater owners by releasing the film in as many theaters as we can, keeping in line with the rules and protocols laid down by the government.”

According to Reuters, India, the world’s second most populous nation, reported 295,041 new infections on Wednesday, the biggest daily rise reported in any country, stretching its hospitals to breaking point, officials said. Only the United States had a slightly higher one-day rise of 297,430 cases in January, though its tally has since fallen sharply. India’s 2,023 deaths were also its highest in the pandemic.