Exclusive! Director Ponram: It is quite disheartening to see MGR Magan going the OTT way, but we are left with no option

On Monday, there were wide speculation doing the rounds on social media pertaining to the OTT premiere of Ponram's MGR Magan, which stars Sasikumar and Mirnalini Rai in lead roles. It was said that the film will drop on Disney+ Hotstar on Deepavali. Talking to OTTplay, the director confirms it and says that the decision was made as the makers were left with no option. 

He says, "It is disheartening to see the movie going the OTT way. The decision was made on the last week. We had initially planned a theatrical release for the film in April this year, but it was postponed owing to the second wave of the pandemic. What is disappointing is the fact that theatres are open in Tamil Nadu, and still the team had to come up with a decision to release it on an OTT platform."

Ponram adds that he wouldn't have felt bad had this decision was made when the pandemic was at its peak. He says, "With films like Doctor attracting good number of audience to movie halls, I felt we had a good opportunity to entertain film lovers with a theatrical release. It is also said that government is likely to grand permission for 100 per cent occupancy in theatres. But the final decision is in the producer's hand. As a director, I have to support them. The scenario is unavoidable."  

Meanwhile, he has completed the first schedule of his next project, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Anukreethy Vas in lead roles. He says, "The schedule went over 30-35 days. Vijay is now busy with a few assignments. We will begin the second and final schedule of the untitled movie as soon as he finishes them. He will sport a new look for the remaining portions. The title and first look of the film will be announced soon."