This Diwali is as much of a star-studded fest in theatres as it is on OTT platforms. We already know that Rajinikanth‘s ‘Annaatthe‘, Silambarasan‘s ‘Maanadu‘ and Vikram’s ‘Mahaan’ are the Kollywood theatrical contenders for Diwali, but there is also some buzz that the Arya-Vishal starrer ‘Enemy’ may join the race. As far as OTT releases are concerned, the two major films are director TJ Gnanavel’s ‘Jai Bhim’ releasing on Amazon Prime Video and Vignesh Shivan’s ‘Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal’ that is all set for a direct-to-OTT premiere on Disney+Hotstar.
‘Jai Bhim‘ is a social legal drama featuring Suriya with Rajisha Vijayan and Prakash Raj in supporting roles. Bankrolled by Suriya and Jyothika under their production banner 2D Entertainment, the film is written and directed by journalist-turned-filmmaker TJ Gnanavel (of ‘Kootathil Oruthan’ fame). Based on true events from a 1993 legal battle, the film features Suriya in the role of a lawyer fighting for the rights of a tribal group. As part of the four film deal between the actor’s production house and Amazon Prime Video, ‘Jai Bhim’ is all set to stream on the platform in November. In all probability, the film is looking at a Diwali release and an announcement regarding the same is expected soon.
Similarly, Vignesh Shivan‘s ‘Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal‘ featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara and Samantha Ruth Prabhu is also looking at a digital release on Disney+Hotstar. Post a string of unsuccessful OTT releases for actor Sethupathi, this feel-good love story has generated enough buzz and has the potential to turn the tide for him as far as the digital space is concerned. Bankrolled by Seven Screen Studio in association with Vignesh Shivan’s Rowdy Pictures, ‘Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal’ is a breezy rom-com centering around a love triangle and will see actresses Nayanthara and Samantha sharing screen space together for the first time.
The film has skipped a theatrical release and opted for a direct-to-OTT release instead. Although no official announcement has been made yet regarding the platform, one is expected soon. Now all eyes are on Netflix to see what Diwali release they have in answer to Amazon Prime and Disney+Hotstar.