Mohanlal starrer Drishyam 2 has lately been one of the most anticipated movies in Malayalam cinema. However, sending shock waves among the movie lovers, the makers have decided to release the movie through Amazon Prime Video. The news was announced by sharing the teaser of Drishyam 2 on New Year’s Day on the popular OTT platform. Audience who had loved Drishyam is a tad bit disappointed that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the much awaited sequel on the big screen. Meanwhile, director Jeethu Joseph opened up about why the makers have decided to go for an OTT release. He also reveals the release date of Drishyam 2 in the interview.
Why did you choose an OTT platform?
The main reason why we chose an OTT release is definitely the uncertainty due to the pandemic. As far as producer Antony Perumbavoor is concerned, he has been delaying the release of the mega budget movie Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham. He had agreed to do this movie despite the difficult times just to inspire everyone in the industry. We were in fact optimistic that the pandemic would subside and we would be able to release the movie in theaters by December. However, we had to change our decision according to the situatio.
How did you reach that decision? When is the release?
I was hoping to release the movie in theaters on January 26. Amazon had earlier approached us and had offered us a reasonable rate. But, we didn’t go for it as we were hopeful. The decision to have an OTT release was taken even after we set the teaser on 19 December. We realized that the Covid-19 crisis wasn’t subsiding any time soon. Moreover, a new strain of the virus has been detected in the UK. So, Antony said that there is no point in keeping the movie in our hands for an indefinite period of time. People wouldn’t come to the movies immediately after the theaters are opened. Besides, many would begin circulating the pirated copy just a few days after the release. So, we decided that it is better to release the movie through Amazon Prime. We have already given the rights to Amazon Prime and the movie would be released by the last week of January.
What are the losses of having an OTT release?
Drishyam 2 is not a big budget movie. So, OTT release wouldn’t incur a huge loss. However, I wouldn’t think of releasing my other movie Ram through an OTT platform. I am sad about just one thing. The audience wouldn’t have a big screen experience of Drishyam 2. They wouldn’t be able to enjoy the amazing visual and audio quality of the movie in the theaters. I, Antony and Mohanlal too are sad about it.
What do you think are the advantages of OTT release?
You could say that the entire world has watched Drishyam. It is a good thing that everyone around the world could now watch its sequel at the same time. Moreover, it is a family entertainer. The entire family could watch it together at homes. However, you must also note that the excitement of continuity would be lost if you pause the movie and go for other chores.
There are two sides for showing movies through OTT platforms. I wouldn’t say that all movies whose filming has been completed should be released through OTT. They may not get the popularity that Drishyam 2 may enjoy.
