Saudi Vellakka had a houseful show even on the eve of its OTT release: Tharun Moorthy | Exclusive

It’s double delight for director Tharun Moorthy. The Operation Java filmmaker, who proved that he was not a one-hit wonder with his latest release Saudi Vellakka, is now awaiting for the audience’s response once the movie releases on the streaming platform Sony LIV on January 6.

The movie, which has Binu Pappu, Devi Varma, Lukman Avaran and Sujith Shankar in lead roles, revolves around a legal case and how its delay of almost 13 years have far-reaching implications on everyone involved. Saudi Vellakka, which had its premiere at IFFI and released in theatres in December, was critically acclaimed.

Also read: Saudi Vellakka movie review: Tharun Moorthy delivers an impactful and moving social drama 

Tharun, in an exclusive chat with OTTplay, tells us, “Even on the eve of its OTT release, the movie had a houseful show at a multiplex. I am delighted because it’s the 35th day since the film released in theatres. Even yesterday, a friend had informed me that the audience had stood and applauded after the film had ended. When I hear such responses, I am definitely elated. The only disappointment is that we can’t show it longer on the big screens.”

For the director, the OTT release is as important as its theatrical release date, as the reach of his debut movie, Operation Java, increased multi-fold after it hit ZEE5 last year. “Operation Java got good reactions after the film had theatres as well as OTT. So, I am eagerly awaiting for the audience’s feedback for Saudi Vellakka too,” he says.

On the remake rights of Saudi Vellakka, the director says, “The remake rights will be sold after it releases on OTT. That’s how it happened with Operation Java.” Ask him if there are any updates on the Bollywood remake of Operation Java and he says, “Last I heard, the scripting is complete as the writers had called, asking for a few suggestions. I am guessing there will be an update soon.”