Kerala minister Saji Cheriyan says Antony Perumbavoor will release Mohanlal’s Marakkar in theatres

Despite producer Antony Perumbavoor stating that he has been in talks with several OTT platforms for the release of Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, Kerala Minister of Cultural Affairs Saji Cheriyan gave his strong backing to the theatre owners and assured that the producer too will release the Mohanlal-starrer in cinema halls.

Speaking at a press conference, the minister said that movies must be released in theatres as it should be enjoyed visually in the facilities provided in cinema halls, and not on OTTs. While Kerala theatres reopened on October 25 after the second pandemic lockdown, several producers including Perumbavoor have been hesitant to immediately release their long-delayed movies as the government has only approved 50% occupancy.

The government will soon be chairing another meet to discuss the demands of the theatre owners, including tax exclusion, fixed charges reduction and increased occupancy. While Joju George-starrer Star hit theatres today, Dulquer Salmaan’s Kurup will be the big release that everyone from the industry will be keenly watching.

The movie is currently slated to hit theatres on November 12. Vineeth Sreenivasan’s coming-of-age tale Hridayam is reportedly aiming at a January 21, 2022 release while Mohanlal’s Aarattu has been confirmed as February 10, 2022 release.

If the makers of Marakkar decide against the OTT release, it will be looking for a December release this year. Perumbavoor, meanwhile, we hear, has already sold the rights for Bro Daddy, which has Mohanlal and Prithviraj in the lead, to Disney+ Hotstar. The movie is expected to drop on the streaming platform during Christmas too.

Meanwhile, the minister also announced that the Kerala government’s own OTT platform will be ready soon and will stream small-budget films that don’t find space in theatres.

Also read: Exclusive! FEUOK president on special considerations that made Dulquer’s Kurup theatre release possible