In a major announcement, OTT platform Amazon Prime Video is all set to release seven films (including 5 South Indian films) across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam Kannada and Hindi languages. Vijay Subramaniam, Amazon Prime Video Director and Head said, “We’re taking this one step further, with seven of India’s most-anticipated films premiering exclusively on Prime Video, bringing the cinematic experience to their doorstep.” Klapboardpost.com provides a lowdown on all the releases for its readers.
Penguin
Keerthy Suresh starrer Penguin is set for OTT release June 19 in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Confirming the news, Mahanati actress wrote, “A very special journey that I can’t wait for you all to experience!” The film is produced by Karthik Subbaraj, who had directed the Tamil version of the recent Varun Tej hit Gaddalakonda Ganesh.
Ponmagal Vandhal
Jyothika starrer Ponmagal Vandhal, a Tamil film, had earlier created a controversy after theatre owners expressed their dissatisfaction after the announcement of its digital release. Tamil Nadu Theatre And Multiplex Owners Association had also threatened to ban the films of Suriya and movies produced in his banner 2D films. However, undeterred by the consequences, the legal-drama, written and directed by JJ Fredrick, will be streaming from May 29.
Law
Kannada film Law sees Ragini Prajwal marking her debut. Written and directed by Raghu Samarth, the film is slated for release on June 26.
Sufiyum Sujatayum
Sufiyum Sujathayum is the first Malayalam film to get an OTT release. Starring Jayasurya and Aditi Rao Hydari the release date will be announced shortly. The official Twitter handle of Amazon Prime wrote, “Experience the different shades of love, in the world premiere of #SufiyumSujatayumOnPrime. Coming Soon! (sic).”
Calling digital release as the need of the hour, actor and film’s producer Vijay Babu said, “I feel that big films have to take the theatre route to pull in the crowd. The general pulse in the market is that medium and small films may have to depend on OTT platforms for the time being as we have to survive somehow. This was an option before us and someone had to take initiative and I have taken it,” he says, adding that he has got positive responses from all sides. “The producers’ association has been very optimistic and all are standing by us.”
French Biryani
This light-hearted Kannada film stars actor-comedian Danish Sait, which will have its premiere on June 24. Taking to Twitter Amazon Prime Video wrote, “Say bonjour to French Biryani in its #WorldPremiereOnPrime on July 24. This dish is best eaten hot.”
Apart from five South Indian films, Amazon Prime Video announced the release of two Bollywood films – Shakuntala Devi and Gulabo Sitabo.
Shakuntala Devi
Directed by Anu Menon, the film has Vidya Balan essaying the titular role. The film is a biopic on Shakuntala Devi, hailed as the wizard of Mathematics for her ability to solve complex problems in seconds. The release date will be announced soon.
Gulabo Sitabo
Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, the Shoojit Sircar-directed film will have a digital premiere on June 12. This announcement had stirred a row, with Inox and PVR expressing their displeasure against an OTT release. The multiplex chain INOX had stated: “The decision of production house to deviate from the globally prevalent content windowing practice is alarming and disconcerting. Cinemas and content creators have always been into mutually beneficial partnerships, where one’s action provided a fillip to another’s revenues.”
