PremiumAntony Perumbavoor in talks to screen Mohanlal’s Marakkar in select theatres after its OTT release?
Reports suggest that the producer has been having discussions with streaming platforms to allow its theatrical release as well as part of the contract
Last Updated: 10.30 AM, Nov 10, 2021
Mohanlal fans might have something to cheer about after a rather turbulent past week concerning the theatrical release of the superstar’s magnum opus, Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham. Soon after talks with the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) failed for the film’s theatrical release, producer Antony Perumbavoor had announced that the Mohanlal-starrer will be dropping directly on OTTs. However, after last night’s preview show in Chennai, reports suggest the movie could also be screened in theatres.
The producer is reportedly in talks with a streaming platform to include the clause that the film can be screened in select theatres after a month of its OTT release. The limited theatres will include those by Aashirvad Cinemas, D Cinemas and Aries Cineplex.
Kerala Kaumudi had also reported that theatre owners belonging to Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF), a group separate from FEUOK had also expressed interest in screening the movie, which was made on a budget of almost Rs 90 Cr. As of now there has been no official confirmation regarding the film’s OTT release dates or whether it would indeed hit theatres; but a theatrical release would please the superstar’s fans who have been waiting for almost two years for the film’s release.
Last week, talks with FEUOK failed as Antony had demanded a minimum guarantee to release the movie in theatres as well as maximum screens for the movie. Theatre owners, however, didn’t budge, citing already loss in revenue due to the pandemic. This prompted a fallout between Antony, who had earlier headed FEUOK and its current leadership headed by K Vijayakumar. FEUOK had announced that they would hoist a black flag in the theatres when Marakkar releases on OTT.
Theatre owners were looking at Marakkar’s release to bring people back to cinema halls. However, with the movie opting for OTT release, they have their hopes pinned on Dulquer Salmaan’s Kurup that is releasing in 450 screens in Kerala on November 12.