Filmmakers are a worried lot. The pandemic refuses to abate and the Covid third wave looms large before us. Theatres are far from opening full-fledged any time soon. Even when they do, they will operate only at 50% capacity. At such a time, several filmmakers, especially of Tamil films, have taken up lucrative offers from OTT platforms to launch their ready-to-release films. Jagame Thandhiram is prime example of this, which released on Netflix recently.
Now comes news that even the much-awaited Sivakarthikeyan film ‘Doctor‘ has opted to skip theatrical release and go direct to digital. This despite vociferous demands from fans to release the film in theatres.
Interestingly, Doctor is not the only Tamil film that is eyeing an OTT release. There is an entire lineup of films – some say 14 to 15 films – that are planning to release on OTT in the coming months.
We bring you the Top Ten Tamil films that are expected to release on OTTs this year –
Doctor
Top of the heap has to be Doctor. The Sivakarthikeyan film is one of the most awaited since long. The Nelson Dilipkumar directed film was to release on 26th March 2021, but was postponed due to the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. A new date was announced, for Eid 2021, that is May 13th, which was again cancelled owing to the Covid second wave. Now, instead of waiting indefinitely for theatres to reopen and things to become normal, the film will most likely release directly on OTT. Disney Plus Hotstar is said to be the platform that has grabbed the film for digital release.
Raangi
The Trisha starrer Raangi has been in the making for quite some time. It has also been ready for release since long. Now there’s buzz that the film, directed by M. Saravanan, with a story by AR Murugadoss, is likely to release on a popular OTT platform.
Tughlaq Darbar
The Vijay Sethupathi starrer Tughlaq Darbar has everyone intrigued, ever since the first look of the film was released. It is directed by debutant, Delhi Prasad Deenadayal, and also stars Parthiban, Raashi Khanna, Manjima Mohan and Gayathrie. It is a political drama, with Vijay Sethupathi playing a politician, whose character will have interesting shades and an element of fantasy woven into it (via The Times Of India). Tughlaq Darbar is expected to release directly on OTT, on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Pon Manickavel
Pon Manickavel is an action thriller film, directed by A. C. Mugil Chellappan of Kandaen fame. The film is special for lead star Prabhu Deva as it is his 50th film. It has Nivetha Pethuraj in the lead along with Prabhu Deva. The film was to release in theatres on 21st February 2020, then was pushed to 6th March 2020, and is now postponed indefinitely due to Covid. The film is now expected to release on OTT.
Netrikann
The Lady Superstar Nayanthara headlines this horror thriller, said to be a remake of Korean film, Blind. Besides Nayanthara, the film stars Ajmal Ameer and Manikandan in prominent roles. It is directed by Milind Rau, and produced by Vignesh Sivan’s Rowdy Pictures. The film has been waiting for a theatrical release since a year. It is now expected to release directly on OTT, and is said to have finalised a lucrative deal with Disney Plus Hotstar.
Sarpatta Parambarai
A compelling boxing drama, and directed by Pa. Ranjith – seems to be a winning combination for sure. The Arya starrer is an ideal candidate for a theatrical release but Covid has dashed all hopes. It is now expected to release on OTT, on Amazon Prime Video, as per reports in the media. The film also stars Dushara Vijayan, Anupama Kumar, Santosh Pratap and Sanchana Natarajan.
Vaazhl
Vaazhl is a musical drama, produced by Sivakarthikeyan. It is directed by Arun Prabhu of ‘Aruvi’ fame, and stars Pradeep, Bhanu, Diva and Yathra in prominent roles. The film is ready for release since long, and is said to be in talks with SonyLIV for a direct to digital release. An OTT release for the long-delayed film will be the best option for all stakeholders.
Kadaisi Vivasayi
Though Kadaisi Vivasayi has Vijay Sethupathi playing a crucial cameo and Yogi Babu in a pivotal role, the Tamil is a comedy drama that centres on an eighty-five-year-old farmer named Nallandi – the man also plays the lead in the film. Written and directed by M. Manikandan, the film has music by the legendary Illaiya Raja. It is produced by Eros International. The film has supposedly been snapped up by SonyLIV for a direct to digital release on its newly minted Tamil-centric arm, SonyLIV Tamil.
Idiot
Idiot is a novelty in Indian cinema — it is a ghost spoof film, sure to set everyone’s funny bones tickling. The film stars Shiva and Nikki Galrani, along with Urvashi, Anandraj, Akshara Gowda, Ravi Mariya and RNR Manohar. The first look of the Rambhala-directed horror comedy film is lit. Idiot is expected to release directly on OTT, and will be a good watch if it does.
Maamanithan
Maamanithan is a drama film directed by Seenu Ramasamy, and produced by Yuvan Shankar Raja under his YSR Productions banner. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Gayathrie, K. P. A. C. Lalitha and Guru Somasundaram. The film was to release in the latter half of 2019, but was caught in legal trouble over the title ‘Maamanithan’. The legalities were sorted out this March 2021, but owing to theatres being closed, the makers have decided to release the already long-delayed film on OTT. ZEE5 is said to have grabbed the premiere rights of the film.
Besides these top ten films, there are a slew of other Tamil films that are almost certain to release on OTT. They are –
Naragasooran on SonyLIV
Laabam
Boomika
Sumo
VellaiYannnai
Ayngaran
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
