Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Thalaivi’ will release in theatres first, not on OTT

Amid rumours that Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi might release directly on OTT platforms, it was confirmed the film will first release in theatres.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted a message on Twitter, putting an end to speculations. “News that #Thalaivi - #Jayalalithaa biopic - will premiere on #OTT is FALSE,” he tweeted.

A few high profile films including Jyotika’s Ponmagal Vandhal, Amitabh Bachchan-Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Gulabo Sitabo, and Vidya Balan’s Shakuntala Devi biopic are skipping theatrical release in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown.

Thalaivi, a A.L.Vijay directorial, is produced by Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh, will be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

In a poster released by the makers Jayalalithaa's 72^nd birth anniversary in February, Kangana stunned everyone by her uncanny resemblance to the late political leader.  The film will also see Arvind Swami play actor-politician MGR. Thalaivi also features Priyamani as Sasikala. The film's screenplay is by Baahubali fame Vijeyendra Prasad.

In an official statement, Kangana had earlier said: “Jayalalithaaji is one of the biggest female success stories of this century. She was a superstar and went on to become an iconic politician, it’s a great concept for a mainstream film. I am honoured to be a part of this mega project.”

Director A.L. Vijay said: “Jayalalithaa madam was one of the most prominent leaders of our country. Making a film on= her life is a big responsibility and we are going to do it with utmost care and honesty. Am proud and happy with our association with one of India’s biggest star and the very talented Kangana Ranaut ji to portray the dynamic role of our very dynamic leader.”