One of the most anticipated sequels, Drishyam 2, starring Mohanlal, Meena, was a rare big-star film in Malayalam to have taken the OTT route when the theatres were on the verge of reopening in Kerala again. Though the producer of the film went ahead with the deal to get financial relief ahead of his other release Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, there were several speculations that the film would also release in theatres after the OTT premiere. However, the Kerala Film Chamber has denied any such possibility and stated it can’t have a theatrical release.
The President of the Kerala Film Chamber has stated that every film needs to register with the group, signing an affidavit that they will release the content on OTT only 42 days after a theatrical release. Drishyam 2 has failed to register the same and the rules in the industry don’t permit the theatrical release for a direct-OTT film.
In a Twitter interaction, in response to a fan who asked if Drishyam 2 will release in theatres after OTT premiere, Mohanlal had replied ‘possibly’. Looks like it won’t be possible after all. Drishyam 2, directed by Jeethu Joseph, releases on Amazon Prime on February 19. The film’s dubbed versions in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada may also release on the same day on the OTT platform.