Netflix Shocker: ‘Thangalaan’ OTT Deal in Trouble After Box Office Struggles!

Tamil actor Vikram, who became popular in Telugu for his distinct roles in films like ‘Aparichitudu‘ and ‘I‘, has captivated everyone with his performance as a primitive man in the recently released film ‘Thangalaan‘. Vikram’s transformation for his role in this movie has garnered widespread acclaim. Released on August 15, the film received mixed reviews. However, even before its release, Netflix secured the OTT rights for a hefty price. This has led cine lovers, who have been eagerly anticipating when the movie will arrive on OTT, to receive a shock from the prominent OTT company, Netflix. Let’s delve into the details.

Netflix Backs Down!

The latest film starring Chiyaan Vikram, ‘Thangalaan’, a periodic action drama, was presented by Pa Ranjith. It was produced by K.E. Gnanavel Raja under the Studio Green Films banner in association with Neelam Productions. Featuring Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan as the heroines, the movie was released in theaters in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada languages on August 15 and managed to stir a mixed response. The movie did not achieve the expected success, leading Netflix to reconsider their OTT deal for ‘Thangalaan’. Reportedly, Netflix is demanding to lower the previously agreed sum for the OTT rights.

Release on Another OTT?

According to reports, the producers of ‘Thangalaan’ are not willing to comply with Netflix’s demand to reduce the price for the OTT rights. With the producers rejecting this offer, there is talk in Kollywood circles that Netflix has canceled the OTT deal. As Netflix remains firm, the producers are intensifying efforts to offer ‘Thangalaan’ to another OTT platform. However, this process may take more time to complete. Until then, it seems unlikely that ‘Thangalaan’ will appear on any OTT platform soon, leaving cine lovers who are eagerly waiting a bit shocked.

Collections Nil!

The prominent Tamil producer K.E. Gnanavel Raja produced ‘Thangalaan’ with a budget of nearly ₹100 crores. Despite only average reviews, it was expected that the film would easily garner over ₹150 crores. However, unexpectedly, the film only grossed ₹105 crores and managed a net collection of just ₹70 crores. Regardless of the film’s outcome, Vikram’s performance was universally praised. His acting in ‘Thangalaan’ has been hailed as another milestone in his career, making everyone hopeful to watch the movie on OTT, only to be left disappointed by Netflix.

What’s the Story?

Set in the 1850s during British rule in India, the story unfolds in a village called Veppur. Thangalaan (Vikram) lives there with his family. Under unforeseen circumstances, Thangalaan is forced to join an English lord named Clement in a quest for gold. This journey brings them face-to-face with bizarre experiences. Thangalaan dreams that a sorceress from the serpent tribe, Arati (Malavika Mohanan), is protecting the gold with her supernatural powers. But is she really guarding the gold? What challenges do Thangalaan and his team face because of her? What does Thangalaan learn through this journey? Did they finally discover the gold or not? That forms the crux of the story.