Tamil action-comedy film "Baththa", starring Vijay Sethupathi, will debut digitally on Netflix on October 29, 2026. The film will be available in its original Tamil version, along with its dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Its OTT release comes four weeks after its theatrical debut on October 1.
Directed and written by Balaji Tharaneetharan, "Baththa" is set in Madras in 1986. Made on an estimated budget of ₹28 crore, the film has reportedly earned ₹33.16 crore worldwide, putting it in the safe profit zone. Although the film opened slowly in theatres, positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth helped it maintain momentum over the following weekends. Its mix of emotional storytelling and situational comedy helped make it a sleeper hit.
The story follows Baththavachalam, popularly known as Baththa, a feared local gangster who rules the streets through violence and intimidation. His life takes an unexpected turn when Sabhari, a shy eight-year-old schoolboy, accidentally locks him inside a school restroom while trying to get back a confiscated toy.
Trapped inside, Baththa faces hunger and loneliness, receiving only rusks passed through gaps in the door. The unusual situation forces him to think about his past, his childhood, and the person he has become. As an unlikely bond develops between the gangster and the young boy, Baththa begins to question his violent ways. Their friendship sets him on a path towards change and affects his relationships with his family and enemies.
Vijay Sethupathi plays Baththa, while Master Sai Prithviraj portrays Sabhari. Lijomol Jose plays Kannima, Baby Sahasra Shree appears as Thenmozhi, Santhy Balachandran plays Selvi, and Ajay Ghosh takes on the role of Konda Reddy. Ramya Pandian also makes a cameo appearance as Jayanthi.
The film marks the third collaboration between Vijay Sethupathi and Balaji Tharaneetharan after "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" and "Seethakathi". It was produced by Murad Khetani, Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, and Priya Atlee, while Atlee presented the project. Sai Abhyankkar has composed the music, Selvakumar S. K. handled cinematography, and R. Kalaivanan is the editor.
