Dileep: OTTs cannot be ignored as they can create a global market for our films

With Dileep’s Voice of Sathyanathan set for release, the actor is busy with the film’s promotion. During a recent press meet, the actor shared his opinion on OTT releases as well as on his movies being criticised on social media. 

The actor hasn’t had a theatrical release since the pandemic. His previous movie, Kesu Ee Veedinte Nadhan, was released directly on Disney+ Hotstar, marking his OTT debut. “The scale of Malayalam cinema is increasing, productions are becoming large in terms of budget, scope, and technical aspects. In such a scenario, avenues like OTT cannot be ignored, as it can also create a global market for the films,” he said, when asked about his stand on OTT releases.

Meanwhile, Dileep’s movies including his releases before the pandemic, has been criticised for its content. The actor opined that some people with personal agendas are purposefully degrading Malayalam films, often attempting to dissuade others from watching them. “New releases are censured without giving any breathing space in theatres,” he said. “The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the Malayalam film industry like every other, but despite the setback, other language films have generated substantial profits from our theatres. At the same time, our films are not well received and fall short in terms of theatrical profit.”

Dileep’s next film Voice of Sathyanathan, which is directed by Raffi, is touted to be a political drama with doses of comedy. The film was scheduled for release on July 14, but the makers have decided to push the release date to July 28, considering the downpour in Kerala. The film also has Anupam Kher, Jagapathi Babu, Joju George and Veena Nandakumar in pivotal roles.

The film marks a comeback of Dileep to theatres after a long three-year gap. His last films Jack and Daniel and My Santa tasted failures at the box office and the OTT release Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan also was not well received. 

Dileep is also part of Arun Gopy’s Bandra, which is scripted by Udaykrishna and has Tamannaah Bhatia as the female lead.