Sivakarthikeyan’s Doctor to get a direct-to-OTT release, theatres urge makers to reconsider

Sivakarthikeyan’s Doctor has been rumoured to skip theatrical release and go straight to OTT. Though an official confirmation is awaited by the filmmakers, unconfirmed reports have stated that the movie’s producers are in talks with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. They are expected to make an official announcement within a week’s time.

Though this news may bring joy to SK fans, distributors and exhibitors in Tamil Nadu seem to be displeased. Most of them were keen on generating income through upcoming blockbuster movies that would cover the losses they have endured over the pandemic.

The proprietor of Ram Muthuram Cinemas took to Twitter to express his dismay at producers switching to OTT releases. The two tweets called out filmmakers, citing the success of Master, Kong vs Godzilla and Sulthan to be proof of the fact that theatres are not done for. Dhanush’s Karnan has also fared extremely well in box office collections. “After seeing all the good (and) still opting for OTT release makes no sense,” read the tweet.

Claiming Doctor to be the perfect film to draw families back to theatres, the tweet also mentioned that movies that are released on OTT a month after their theatrical release ensure a combined revenue. “Still that’s their wish means nothing can’t be done,” Ram Muthuram Cinemas concluded.

The theatrical release of Doctor has already been delayed multiple times. The film was due to release on March 26, but the producers pushed it back due to the Tamil Nadu elections. The release was later rescheduled for May 13, which would coincide with the holiday of Eid, but the surge in COVID-19 cases has reintroduced curbs on theatre capacities. Thus, it remains to be seen if the filmmakers will opt for a theatrical release or bring the magic of the film to audiences at their home.