Tamil film Salliyargal has been released directly on an over-the-top streaming platform, bypassing a theatrical release, in protest against what its makers describe as systematic denial of screens for films centred on the Tamil Eelam struggle.
Backed by producer Suresh Kamatchi under V House Productions, Salliyargal was scheduled for a New Year theatrical release on Thursday. However, the release was withdrawn after the production team was allocated only 27 theatres across India, a figure they said made a viable theatrical run impossible. The film has now been released on the OTT platform OTT Plus.
Speaking at a recent press meet, Kamatchi expressed anger and frustration over major theatre chains refusing to allot screens for the film. “How can a film be released with just 27 theatres? Because of that, our film didn’t get a theatrical release. Even though no big film was released at that time, we still weren’t given theatres,” he said, adding that PVR did not allot even a single screen.
“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 asked.
Announcing the decision to move the release to OTT Plus, Kamatchi appealed to Tamils around the world to watch and support the film. “I request everyone to support this film and make its success a fitting lesson to those who chose to ignore a good film,” he said.
Director T. Kittu also issued a video statement addressing Tamil audiences directly, describing the release setback as a consequence of staying true to his commitment to the Tamil cause.
“I am your director, T Kittu. The title of ‘director’ was not something I took myself. It is a position that you, the Tamil people, gave me,” he said. “At the time you gave me the opportunity to make a promise before you. It was precisely then that we united together and made this Tamil cause possible.”
He continued, “Throughout my entire life, I will spend only about matters related to the Tamil cause, I had promised. I said that this would safeguard our history and path. From the promise, until today, I have not gone against it. That is why, I had to face a few consequences from upholding this promise.”
Reflecting on the aborted theatrical release, Kittu said, “Our movie ‘Salliyargal’ should have been released today on New Year. I don’t know what to say. This is the reason why, we hosted a pre-show.” He described how journalists reacted emotionally after viewing the film, before adding, “Similarly, my wish is to show the movie to everyone. But I am unsure if this will happen or not. I have not broken my promise to you, even if the movie comes out on OTT platforms, I hope to see your support there. I plead with you.”
The film has also drawn public support from director Karthik Subbaraj, who criticised theatre chains for sidelining independent cinema. “Theatres need to be supportive of indie movies. Big satellite and & OTT players aren’t keen on buying indie films, leaving theatres as the only source for revenue for these low-budget movies. You are killing cinema by not giving theatres to such movies,” he said.
Some Thoughts just as a Lover of CINEMA!!
— karthik subbaraj (@karthiksubbaraj) January 8, 2026
No theatres for an Low budget Indie film #Salliyargal
Censor delay causing postponement of a Big budget Big Star like Vijay Sir's film #JanaNayagan slated to release tomorrow...
Bookings are yet to open in many centres due to issue of… pic.twitter.com/9ixK3u2qRa
Set against the backdrop of the Tamil Eelam independence struggle, Salliyargal follows doctors working in an underground bunker, risking their lives to save both allies and enemies. The film stars Sathyadevi, Karunaas, Thirumurugan, Janaki, Mahendran, Nagaraj, Priya, Anand Sounderarajan, Mohan, Santhosh and others. Music is by Ken and Eshwar, with cinematography by Sibi Sathasivam and editing by CM Elangovan.
See the trailer for the film below.