Vikram's Thangalaan OTT release delayed: Why is Netflix holding it back?

Just a few weeks ago, Thangalaan’s producer, KE Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green, assured fans that the film’s digital release would coincide with Deepavali. However, as the festival passed without Thangalaan’s appearance on Netflix, confusion and disappointment swept through Chiyaan Vikram's fanbase.

In the lead-up to the holiday, speculations regarding the release delay circulated widely. Gnanavel Raja quickly dispelled these rumours, directly addressing fans on X (formerly Twitter). “Netflix wanted a festival release and has scheduled our film (Thangalaan) for Diwali. However, some YouTubers have claimed that the film is in trouble,” he clarified. His statement stirred excitement among fans hoping to catch the highly polarizing film at home over the holiday. Yet, as of now, Thangalaan remains absent from Netflix’s "coming soon" slate, leaving fans increasingly frustrated and concerned over the lack of a confirmed release date.

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The delay is puzzling, especially given the industry norm of streaming new Tamil releases within four weeks post-theatrical debut. With Thangalaan premiering in cinemas on August 15, it’s now been over two months without any clear OTT release plans.

Directed by Pa Ranjith, Thangalaan was a high-stakes project for both Ranjith and Vikram. The film received mixed reviews: while some praised it as a cinematic achievement, others felt it fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, Vikram’s transformative performance of a resilient tribal leader who strives to deliver himself and his people from the clutches of ruthless imperialists was unanimously celebrated. Ranjith has used elements of magical realism to highlight the physical suffering, social degradation, and lack of emotional fulfilment in the lives of those who forget their roots and history.

"Ranjith masterfully crafts a visual spectacle, blending the historical and the mystical to create a narrative that resonates on multiple levels. On the surface, Thangalaan is an adventure drama, but beneath the action lies a profound commentary on history, memory, and the enduring fight against exploitation," read Desimartini's 4-star review. 

The film also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan in prominent roles. 

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