Abhay Deol to release film on Facebook

The IP addresses of those trying to view the film from India will be blocked by the social networking site.

For the first time in history, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol, 37 and the co-producers of his next film One by Two, have decided to release their entire film internationally on the social media site Facebook on the same day as its India release.

If Dhoom 3 went on an all-quiet promo trick that worked for them, the young Deol boy is up for just the opposite to make a mark. However, there’s a catch — only international audiences will get to view the film, One By Two, online, while Indian audiences will still have to queue up at theatres because access to the online version of the movie will be blocked all across the country. Makers say this has been done to protect the interests of theatres screening the film in the country. “One By Two will officially be the first film worldwide to premiere internationally on Facebook,” says Abhay.

The makers claim to have struck a deal with Facebook (USA) for this media tactic that has never been attempted before, not even by people from Hollywood. Rudrarup Dutta co-producers of Viacom 18, says, “Facebook will block all the IP addresses from India trying to access the file (geo-blocking). It will be available in countries where there is no theatrical release of the film.” Sources also revealed to us that the film is unlikely to get a significant international release, which is the reason for this move.

Ajit Andhare, CEO, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, further adds, “Cinema consumers outside India can enjoy the film on its release day. This is also a bold step to counter piracy by giving the discerning consumer a clear legal choice.” Facebook USA has remained unavailable for comment, reported Hindustan Times.