Director Ameer’s remark on Kottukkaali’s theatrical release irks netizens

Director PS Vinothraj and actor Soori’s latest film Kottukkaali, which was released in theatres last week, opened to positive reviews from critics. However, it also received mixed reactions from some audiences, resulting in mediocre box office performance. 

Ameer on Kottukkaali

Recently, director Ameer found himself in a controversy regarding the Soori-starrer. During a public event, Ameer expressed that while he liked the film, he believed the critically acclaimed Kottukkaali should have been released on OTT platforms to protect it from box office comparisons. He stated, (translated) "If I had made Kottukkaali, I wouldn't have agreed to a theatrical release. The film should have been sold to OTT platforms, as I wouldn't have wanted its reputation jeopardized by box office numbers." 

He further added, "The producer, (referring to Sivakarthikeyan) is an influential person. He could have secured a better deal by selling the film to an OTT platform." 

Ameer is known for his directorial films such as Paruthiveeran and Mounam Pesiyadhe and has starred in Dhanush's Vada Chennai.

Netizens slam director Ameer

Netizens quickly took to social media to criticize Ameer's remarks, questioning why films like Kottukkaali shouldn't be released in theatres. Many pointed out that Soori himself had mentioned during the film's launch that the rural drama shouldn't be compared with his previous hits, Viduthalai Part 1 and Garudan.  

However, some netizens supported Ameer's opinion, arguing that the box office performance has created a false image of the film among new audiences who haven't yet seen it in theatres. They also highlighted concerns about the impact on Soori's future films. Additionally, it is noteworthy that PS Vinothraj's previous film, Koozhangal, which was officially selected for an Oscar nomination, wasn't released in theatres and went directly to OTT after the Oscar selection. 

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 Kottukkaali

Kottukkaali was initially submitted to film festivals, where it won a Special Jury Award at the Transilvania International Film Festival and also became the first Tamil film to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. 

The film revolves around a family’s efforts to help their daughter, whom they believe to be possessed by a spirit. However, her silence is due not to possession but to the patriarchal norms imposed upon her. Soori and Anna Ben star as Pandi and Meena, respectively. The movie was produced by actor Sivakarthikeyan under his banner, Sivakarthikeyan Productions.   

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