The Covid-19 pandemic had compelled Suriya to change the mode of his big ticket release “Ponmagal Vandhal”. From being a theatrical release, the movie went straight to digital through Amazon Prime Video. The movie, starring popular actress, and Suriya’s wife Jyotika, was produced by his production company, 2D Entertainment.
When Suriya initially decided to release Ponmagal Vandhal straight on OTT, he faced a lot of backlash from movie exhibitors. But even after talks, he decided to stick with the digital release of his film. This angered the exhibitors and the Theatre Owners Association In Tamil Nadu, who threatened to boycott all the films starring or produced by Suriya or any of his family members.
However, that was way back in April, and much water has passed under the bridge since then. Also, a number of movies starring popular actors, from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bollywood film industries, have opted for straight to OTT releases.
One would think that the anger of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association would have cooled down by now. But alas, that is not to be. Apparently, the association and its members are still miffed with Suriya. This has caused an issue with the Suriya starrer “Soorarai Pottru”. The Sudha Kongara directed movie, which was put on hold due to the pandemic, has been highly anticipated by the public. Suriya and his 2D Entertainment have decided to release the movie in theaters first.
But, even as the cinemas are gearing up to reopen after almost a four month lockdown, Theatre Owners Association president R Paneer Selvam has decided not to allow any movies associated with Suriya or his family to release in Tamil Nadu theatres.
But there is hope for movie-goers, for distributor Tirupur Subramaniam has said that there will be a final meeting between association members before a verdict will be made on movies made with or by Suriya and his family. They are however still angry about Suriya’s decision with the Jyotika starrer, Ponmagal Vandhal.
“Soorarai Pottru” is bankrolled by Suriya’s 2D Entertainment in association with Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment. Its music has been composed by GV Prakash Kumar.
Let’s hope a suitable compromise is thrashed out by all stakeholders and things work out to everyone’s liking.
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