Chennai: Just a few days after Suriya announced that his ‘Soorarai Pottru’ will be released on Amazon Prime, several voices are heard in Kollywood with differing views.
While a section of producers including veteran filmmaker Bharathiraja vouched their support for Suriya for his decision since cinema halls are closed due to lockdown, theatre owners, distributors and directors like Hari took the offensive.
Bharathiraja has said, “Digital release is an option for producers to minimise losses. To think that films with big stars like Suriya should come to theatres seems well-intentioned. Will the same efforts be taken for smaller-budget films? Filmmakers should have freedom.”
Rather than blaming one individual ( Suriya), on-going issues such as high ticket prices, Virtual Print Fee, etc should also be addressed, he said.
Remember a couple of days ago, director Hari took a mild dig at Suriya stating that he should reconsider his decision to go for a digital release.
“Cinema is our God. It gets respect only when it makes it to the theatres. That’s where the filmmakers and their creativity get utmost recognition. I am someone who understands the problems producers face. I would ask you to reconsider your decision. Your name and fame will live as long as cinema lives,” he said.
Tamilnadu Theatre Owners Association president Thiruppur Subramaniam, said, “Only in Tamilnadu ticket rates are less. With cinema halls shut for five months, we are suffering. People working in theatres are worst-hit. A big film like Soorarai Pottru, if released in theatre post lockdown, will draw crowds”.
We have screened all their movies in the past. To leave us now and go behind OTT is unjust, he added.
Suriya-starrer Soorarai Pottru, directed by Sudha Kongara Prasad is jointly produced by Suriya’s home banner and Guneet Monga. The film was supposed to release in theatres this summer. Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the film got postponed.
Since there is an uncertainty in re-opening of theatres in the country, Suriya took the decision to release Soorarai Pottru on Amazon Prime Video.
Suriya faced opposition from exhibitors and distributors when he decided to release his wife Jyotika’s film Ponmagal Vandhal on Amazon Prime Video this May.