Thalaikoothal OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Samuthirakani's film on senicide online

Director Jayaprakash Radhakrishan's Thalaikoothal, which opened to positive reviews when it hit screens in theatres earlier this month, is gearing up for his digital debut. The film is all set to drop on Netflix on March 3rd. Thalaikoothal, which features Samuthirakani, Kathir, Vasundhara, Vaiyapuri and Murugadoss, revolves around the ancient practice of senicide of the elderly in certain parts of Tamil Nadu, especially in Virudhunagar district.

During Thalaikoothal (involuntary euthanesia), the elderly are subjected to merciless killing by their own family members. The practice was common in certain parts of Tamil Nadu and prevailed as a socially accepted norm, especially when the elderly person fell ill. The aged, too, are said to have 'accepted' their fate as they no longer wanted to be a burden on their children. Thalaikoothal, literally translates to an oil bath of the elderly at the crack of dawn, followed by the drinking of copious amounts of tender coconut water. It is believed that the elderly cannot withstand the sudden fever that develops after that and may cause renal fever. The practise has been declared illegal but an expose in Virudhunagar district a decade ago, revealed that certain families continued to practise Thalaikoothal.

In the film, Samuthirakani goes to great lengths to save his comatose father and to save from the gruesome practice. Though his family and the people in the village suggest euthanesia as the best option, Samuthirakani does his best to save his father, even if it means his financial situation nosedives.

Music for the film is by Kannan Narayanan, cinematography is by Martin Donraj and editing is by Dani Charles. The film has been bankrolled by Y NOT Studios. Jayakrishnan, Radhakrishnan, who had earlier directed the film, Lens, had stated that he was devastated by the practise and the film was born out of frustration.