In a move that is sending shockwaves through the industry, whispers are growing louder that “Diler,” the much-talked-about sports drama starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Sreeleela, may bypass a theatrical release altogether. According to multiple reports, the film, directed by Kunal Deshmukh and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, has not met expectations in its final cut, leading the makers to consider a direct-to-OTT premiere. The unconfirmed news has cast a shadow of doubt over the project, which was initially touted as a grand cinematic launch for the two young stars.
A Disappointing Outcome for a High-Stakes Film
“Diler,” a glossy sports drama shot in picturesque locales across London, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, was always seen as a crucial project for Ibrahim Ali Khan. The son of actor Saif Ali Khan, Ibrahim’s earlier films, Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen, were both released on OTT platforms and received a lukewarm response. Consequently, “Diler” was positioned as a potential theatrical breakout, a film that could establish him as a leading man.
However, sources close to the production have now indicated that the film has failed to “shape up as expected.” The creative team and producers are reportedly not confident in its ability to draw audiences to theatres, especially in the current climate where films are judged on their content more than ever before. This perceived lack of theatrical viability has led them to explore a more secure and lucrative option: a direct-to-digital release. While this would offer a wider reach and guaranteed revenue, it would also be a major blow to the young star’s aspirations of a big-screen debut.
Sreeleela’s Growing Pan-India Presence
For Sreeleela, who is making her Hindi cinema debut with “Diler,” the situation is slightly different. The actress is already a bonafide star in the South Indian film industry, and her foray into Bollywood has been eagerly awaited. She is also part of another high-profile project, the untitled musical love story with Kartik Aaryan, directed by Anurag Basu and produced by T-Series. That film has already locked a Christmas 2025 theatrical release, which is expected to be a major commercial success.
With one major theatrical release already in her kitty, the potential shift of “Diler” to an OTT platform may not have the same negative impact on Sreeleela’s career. In fact, it might allow her to reach a new audience base through streaming, while her film with Kartik Aaryan establishes her on the big screen. The situation highlights the strategic challenges faced by production houses when a film’s final output doesn’t align with its initial vision.
The Maddock Films’ Strategy for Diler
The move to a digital release would be a significant one for Maddock Films, a production house known for its successful theatrical ventures like Stree, Munjya, and Luka Chuppi. However, producer Dinesh Vijan has also had success with OTT projects in the past. This makes the possibility of a direct-to-digital premiere for “Diler” a real one. The decision will likely come down to a careful balance of creative expectations, financial viability, and the desire to protect the film’s stars from a potentially disappointing box office outcome.
As of now, there has been no official statement from either Maddock Films or the film’s cast and crew. The rumours, however, are gaining traction, with a final decision expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For now, the film industry and fans are left to speculate on the fate of “Diler” and what its potential shift to OTT could mean for the future of new-age cinema and the careers of its stars.
