Mohanlal’s 360th film ‘Thudarum’ – Will it release on January 30?

Thiruvananthapuram: Fans of superstar Mohanlal are eagerly awaiting the release of his 360th film, Thudarum. The film, which marks his 56th collaboration with the iconic Shobana, has generated significant buzz. However, fans are growing increasingly anxious about the lack of updates from the film's director, Tharun Moorthy. “We are all waiting for a teaser or pre-release events, but nothing has been shared so far. We hope the film releases as planned,” commented a concerned fan on Moorthy’s social media page.

The excitement surrounding Thudarum has been palpable since its announcement, with Shobana expressing her happiness about reuniting with Mohanlal for their 56th project together. The film also marks the 14th production of Renjith’s Rajaputra Films banner.

In Thudarum, Mohanlal takes on the role of a taxi driver, a character reminiscent of earlier roles that helped establish him as a superstar. The film, directed by Tharun Moorthy, features a story by K S Sunil and cinematography by Shaji. Popular actor-comedian Maniyan Pillai Raju also plays a significant role.

Financial strain due to changing OTT dynamics

Reports suggest that the film’s producers are negotiating an OTT release deal, a process complicated by shifting industry trends. According to an anonymous source close to the production, there are financial challenges due to the evolving relationship between theatrical releases and OTT platforms. “In the past, OTT agreements provided producers with a significant upfront payment, easing the financial burden of theatrical releases. However, OTT platforms are now waiting to see how films perform in theaters before committing, which has disrupted the traditional funding model,” the source explained.

The slowing down of OTT deals has left producers dependent on high-interest loans from private lenders, creating additional hurdles. With just ten days left before the scheduled release, the uncertainty surrounding Thudarum’s theatrical debut continues to grow.

Agency