Suresh Kamatchi-backed Eelam Tamil film Salliyargal, which was slated for a New Year theatrical release, missed its big-screen outing after allegedly being allotted very few screens. The film has now premiered on the OTT platform Aha.
Taking to his X handle, Suresh Kamatchi wrote, "The stone that was once rejected becomes the cornerstone of the house," alluding to the film being denied a significant number of screens during its intended theatrical release. The producer who backed the film under his V House Productions, expressed his anger during the time, noting how the film was given only 27 theatres. As a result of these issues, the film was initially made available on the platform OTT Plus for audiences to watch and share their feedback. With its premiere on Aha on Tuesday, Suresh Kamatchi also shared that the film will be available soon on Prime Video as well.
"We have made a film about the Tamil people and the Eelam struggle, a film meant for our people. It is such a struggle to release a film made for our people here. PVR, in particular, did not allot even a single screen. Despite requesting and holding talks for theatres, we did not get any. When we called, they didn’t even pick up the phone. Are all the theatres really running to full capacity that they couldn’t allot us a single screen?" he probed, a few weeks back.
Suresh Kamatchi further criticised theatrical chains and associations for practising a form of "modern untouchability" by not providing these films the opportunity and respect that is given to big-budget, star-led films. "Who are they to decide that a film won’t run? Give the theatre. If the film doesn’t work, remove it. That’s fine. But have they even watched the film before deciding? No. Then on what basis do they refuse to allot theatres at all?" he asked.
Salliyargal stars Sathyadevi, Karunaas, Thirumurugan, Janaki, Mahendran, Nagaraj, Priya, Anand Sounderarajan, Mohan, and Santhosh in leading roles. Set against the Tamil Eelam war backdrop, the story follows brave doctors working in an underground bunker, risking their lives to save both allies and enemies.
On the technical team, the film has music by Ken and Eshwar, cinematography by Sibi Sathasivam and editing by CM Elangovan.
