‘Thudarum’ OTT Release Pushed Back as Mohanlal’s Film Dominates Box Office
Mohanlal’s latest blockbuster, ‘Thudarum,’ is reportedly delaying its OTT release due to its exceptional performance at the box office, having already amassed over ₹228 crore globally since its April 25 theatrical debut. Fans eager to stream the Malayalam crime thriller may have to wait longer than the usual four-week window.
What Happened
The highly anticipated Malayalam crime thriller, ‘Thudarum,’ directed by Tharun Moorthy and starring Mohanlal, Prakash Varma, Thomas Mathew, and Shobana, premiered in theaters on April 25. Initially, expectations were for a swift digital release, typically within four weeks of theatrical debut. However, strong box office collections have led to speculation that the film’s online streaming availability will be significantly delayed. An official confirmation regarding the new OTT release date is still pending.
‘Thudarum’ Box Office Performance
‘Thudarum’ has achieved remarkable success at the box office, setting new benchmarks in the Malayalam film industry. It became the first film in Kerala to cross the ₹100 crore mark within the state, highlighting its immense popularity.
- Weekend Surge: The film experienced a stellar fourth weekend in India, with Sunday collections showing a notable increase. Over this weekend, it garnered an impressive ₹5.75 crore.
- Sustained Momentum: On its fourth Monday, ‘Thudarum’ continued its strong run, adding approximately ₹1.29 crore to its domestic total, representing only a minimal 14% drop from its fourth Friday’s collection of ₹1.50 crore.
- Overall Domestic Collection: As of 25 days into its theatrical run, the film has netted a substantial ₹114.59 crore at the Indian box office. Including taxes, the domestic gross stands at ₹135.21 crore.
- Global Impact: ‘Thudarum’ has also performed exceptionally well in international markets, collecting ₹93 crore gross to date. Combining both domestic and international earnings, the film’s worldwide gross has reached an impressive ₹228.21 crore.
Streaming Rights and Ranking
Reports indicate that Jio Hotstar has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights for ‘Thudarum.’ With a global gross of ₹228.21 crore, the film now ranks as the third highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, positioned closely behind the industry giants ‘Empuraan’ and ‘Manjummel Boys.’
The Story of ‘Thudarum’
The narrative of ‘Thudarum’ centers on Shanmugham, known affectionately as “Benz” due to his cherished black Ambassador Mark 1 car. Benz, a former film stunt assistant who transitioned into a taxi driver, leads a quiet life in the serene hill town of Pathanamthitta. His peaceful existence is disrupted when his vehicle becomes unexpectedly entangled in a police investigation, drawing him into a compelling journey focused on themes of justice and resilience.
What Happens Next
While fans eagerly await an official announcement regarding the OTT release date, the film’s continued strong theatrical performance suggests that a digital premiere may not occur in the immediate future. The production house is likely to maximize the film’s box office potential before making it available on streaming platforms. Viewers are advised to keep an eye on official announcements from the filmmakers or Jio Hotstar for the confirmed streaming date.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a report from Livemint, originally titled “Thudarum OTT release date: Fans have to wait to watch Mohanlal’s blockbuster movie online,” published on an unspecified date.
