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With the second reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Sony Pictures Entertainment India is targeting a wide release for the movie, which is slated to hit Indian screens on Friday.
More than 60 brands have come on board to cash in on the Spider-Man mania for promotional as well as themed consumer products.
Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment India, told BusinessLine: “Spider-Man is India’s most loved superhero and has a fan base that cuts across all age groups. We want the movie to get as widely released as possible so fans across the country can get to see it. We are targeting to release the movie across 1,400 screens.”
However, the company is closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu, where theatre owners have gone on a strike to protest the State government’s decision to levy 30 per cent entertainment tax, in addition to the Goods and Services Tax.
Krishnani said: “We are closely watching the situation and hope it gets resolved soon.” If the problem in Tamil Nadu is not resolved before Friday, the movie will not be released across 110-120 screens in the State.
While the trailer was released in 10 Indian languages, besides English, the film is being released in three Indian languages — Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. With Tamil Nadu having emerged as an important centre for Hollywood films over the year, Krishnani said the company was hoping for a smooth release for the film.
Meanwhile, Disney India’s Consumer Products business, too, hopes to cash in on the Spider-Man mania and has collaborated with 60 brands across categories to launch themed merchandise.
These include Max, Lifestyle, Bioworld, VIP, Titan, Bata, Crocs, Mattel, Funskool, Scholastic, Welspun, D’décor among others. Retail and e-commerce tie-ups have also been done with Flipkart, Amazon, Hamleys and Landmark.
Sanjeet Mehta, Executive Director and Head, Consumer Products, Disney India, said: “Marvel’s Spider-Man enjoys 90 per cent awareness in the Indian market and is immensely popular amongst kids and adults. This translates into high demand for products inspired by the super hero all year round, and through these brand associations, we are able to offer high-quality products across categories for fans of all ages.”
Deepak Chhabra, MD, Crocs India, said: “For Crocs, licensed kids product portfolio has been the fastest growing business for India and Spider-Man leads the pack due to it fantastic brand recall.”
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