Meiyazhagan on OTT: Will Netflix show uncut version of Karthi-Aravind Swamy's family drama?

The Tamil film Meiyazhagan is set to make its streaming debut on Netflix this October 27, coinciding with the Deepavali celebrations. The feel-good drama, featuring Karthi and Arvind Swamy in lead roles, will be available for streaming after a four-week theatrical run, following the current trend of quick OTT releases.

The film's original theatrical version, which ran for 2 hours and 57 minutes, was trimmed by 18 minutes after its first week in cinemas. This decision, made to cater to what some in the trade perceived as audience impatience, sparked a backlash from fans who appreciated the original cut. Many viewers felt that the edits impacted the emotional depth of the film, particularly with the removal of key scenes. These included a powerful moment where the protagonist defies a Jallikattu ban and another where he reflects on violence against common people by government forces. Fans argued that these scenes were central to the heart of Meiyazhagan.

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Despite fan hopes that the uncut version would be available on Netflix, the streaming platform has confirmed that the movie will have a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes—the same as the edited theatrical release. This has led to disappointment among viewers who were looking forward to experiencing director C. Prem Kumar’s full vision. As the film prepares for its OTT premiere, fans will have to settle for the shorter version, which omits what could be described as some of Meiyazhagan’s most profound moments.

Meiyazhagan had a rewarding run in theatres. Bankrolled by Suriya's 2D Entertainment, the film became one of the hits of 2024. The movie also received glowing responses from critics and audiences alike. The story revolves around two lead characters who reconnect after years of separation, sparking a nostalgic exploration of life’s simpler truths.

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