With the state-wide lockdown in Kerala now extending to June 6th 2021 (for the foreseeable future), we will be pushing into one month of lockdown since the second wave of coronavirus hit the state. With theatres having been locked for more than 6 weeks, it makes sense that all the upcoming major feature film owners, now turn to streaming platforms for direct-to-OTT if they are to recuperate some portion of their expenditure. Since, even if the lockdown is lifted, there is no guarantee that theatres will open right away. With this in mind, let us take a look at the top 6 Malayalam films which could be made available for streaming on OTT:
Aaha
This tug-of-war sports thriller starring Indrajith and Manoj K. Jayan was expected to release the day after tomorrow, June 4th 2021 in theatres in Kerala. With the lockdown still in effect will the aforementioned 6th of the same month, we do not see a theatrical release in the cards for this film anytime soon.
Kuttavum Shikshayum
This highly anticipated Asif Ali thriller revolves around a mysterious robbery in Kerala. Expected to release on July 2nd in theatres, we think the film will take the OTT route soon after theatrical release. That is if the theatres will open up by then.
Aarattu
Neyyattinkara Gopante Aaraattu, or simply Aaraattu (which translates to ”Sacred Bath”), is an upcoming action-drama co-produced and directed by B. Unnikrishnan. Featuring Mohanlal, we expect a movie from his golden years of dialogue delivery, which is expected to come out in theatres in August. But nothing is certain for now, as the State Government is said to be contemplating lockdown extension. If that happens, the theatres remain close for even a longer period of time.
Thuramukham
This much-awaited Nivin Pauly historical epic released a teaser a few weeks back. Thuramukham was supposed to release on Eid, on 13th May 2021. The date has come and gone, but theatres remain close. We expect this film to have a quick OTT release, even if it comes out on theatres first, whenever it opens.
Malik
Another highly anticipated Eid release, this Fahadh Faasil historical political drama has got a new release date as well. With the filmmakers changing release dates over three times, we expect an OTT release date to now quickly follow.
Marakkar: Lion of The Arabian Sea
The Malayalam film every film enthusiast is talking about (the ones that watch Malayalam cinema that is). This historical war movie starring Mohanlal has undergone multiple release dates, including an Eid theatrical release, which got postponed to an August release. However, there have been multiple reports suggesting that this movie will release on an OTT and in theatres simultaneously and that is something very new for Mollywood.