Suriya made headlines today by announcing four of his films going for a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video. In a time when everyone’s looking forward to the possibilities of theatrical releases Suriya and Jyothika took their entire 2021 production slate to the same OTT platform.
It all began with Jyothika starrer ‘Ponmagal Vandhal’ last year, followed by Suriya’s blockbuster hit ‘Soorarai Pottru’ and now ‘Raame Aandalum Raavane Aandalum’, Udanpirappe’, ‘Jai Bheem’ and ‘Oh My God’. Ranging from murder mystery to comedy to family drama every remaining month of 2021, starting from September, will see one of these newly announced 2D Entertainment films releasing on Amazon Prime Video.
While most of these films are suited for a digital release, ‘Soorarai Pottru’ definitely deserved a big screen. It was one of the best films that came out last year so much so that it made it to the Oscars as well. Unfortunately, the timing of the film did not allow that. But as for others, is it just the scale of these recently announced films that made Suriya and Jyothika decide to take them digital or was it a smart business move from the couple?
Also, it’s quite possible these films were made specifically for OTT considering the uncertain times we are living in. The announcements might have come today but such things don’t happen in a day and the deal could have been in place for a considerable amount of time now.
In a scenario when every other filmmaker is excited about taking their films to theatres, evident from the recent back to back announcements, Suriya has preferred to stay cautious and many would say rightly so. It surely is wise to wait and watch as others test the waters before venturing into the waves.
With Akshay Kumar‘s ‘Bell Bottom’ finally releasing in cinemas on 19th August it would give others a glimpse into what the near future of theatrical releases is going to be. It will be further confirmed when SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR’ hits the theatres on 13th October.
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