Mentioned absolutely nothing about Dulquer Salmaan or Kurup: Priyadarshan issues clarification after backlash

Filmmaker Priyadarshan, after a television interview, took to his Twitter page to clarify his statements regarding the OTT release of his directorial Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, starring Mohanlal in the titular role. In one of his statements, the National Award-winning director was heard saying, "Some people are making movies and when they cannot be sold on Netflix, they are released in the theatres. This is not right."

This statement didn't go down well with many people on social media pages who cited that Priyadarshan was talking about Dulquer Salmaan opting for a theatrical release of his most-awaited film, Kurup. 

Clarifying the same, the filmmaker tweeted, "The statement I made during yesterday's channel discussion was strictly centred around a general opinion on Netflix and theatre releases, with no specific reference to any film or actor in particular."

Priyadarshan further wrote on his Twitter page, "Hence, I'd like to clear up that I had mentioned absolutely nothing about Dulquer or the upcoming release of 'Kurup'. It's seen that the media has been misusing it by twisting it all into conclusions I never intended to mean."

Meanwhile, during the TV interview with Reporter Live, Priyadarshan backed producer Antony Perumbavoor and said that an expensive film like Marakkar has not been made in Malayalam yet. Thus, he doesn't wish to see the producer suffer losses and opted the film for an OTT release. The filmmaker also shared that both Mohanlal and he are with Perumbavoor. 

Priyadarshan also slammed Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) for their tonality while speaking about Mohanlal. He cited that the association called the Malayalam actor not a superstar but a businessman. Their alleged impolite way of speaking didn't go well with Priyadarshan. 

Marakkar also features Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Mukesh, Siddique, Nedumudi Venu, and Pranav Mohanlal in supporting roles.

At the recently concluded 67th National Film Awards, the film won three awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects, and Best Costume.

The makers are yet to announce the streaming date of Marakkar on the OTT platform.