Director Hari and Suriya have worked together on many films. And they have delivered success most of the times, making them a hit pair. They are famous for the Singam franchise, though, which is universally loved.
The Singam director based on his closeness with Suriya has requested him to reconsider his decision to release Soorarai Pottru, digitally. He said that it is the theatres and theatrical releases that make an actor, a star. He cited Suriya himself as the example for the same and their combination that became a catalyst in enhancing the stardom of Suriya.
Many (including the fans) feel Hari is right. We recently talked about how OTT can never replace the theatrical experience. Similarly, OTT cannot create stars or take the stardom to the next level for an existing star.
But, in this particular case, we feel Suriya is right, and here’s why.
Suriya is currently going through a lean phase as a star. Soorarai Pottru looks like a film that could give him comeback, but its theatrical run is not assured owing to the pandemic and everything going on. There is a limit to the box office prospects. Now, under the current pandemic situation, it would have been only worse. Add to it the mounting interests on Suriya, as a producer. It was double trouble for him Only a producer-actor like him could understand the predicament Suriya has landed in currently.
Under these circumstances, a digital release eases the pressure on him as a star (box office wise) and producer (the rights). Additionally, and more importantly Suriya gets to enjoy OTTs benefit now.
If Soorarai Pottru turns out to be the real deal as the insiders say it would fetch Suriya a great deal of critical acclaim. With no box office to deal, the fans could simply enjoy the ‘performance’ and the film will be labelled a blockbuster digitally (due to the amount of noise it is going to create).
Come 2021, when the Vetrimaaran movie arrives in the cinema; it would be coming on the back of a much loved Soorarai Pottru. It would help the box office a great deal. On the hindsight, imagine it coming after an underperforming Soorarai Pootru? Things won’t be the same.
So, in this particular situation involving pandemic and the general audience being doubtful in coming to the cinemas, Suriya has made a sensible decision. If the movie delivers critically, it would be treated as a blockbuster. It will, in turn, have a positive snowballing effect on his career. It will be a win-win situation for Suriya.