Drishyam-2 will not be released in theatres, says film chamber, Liberty Basheer rejects stand

KOCHI: The film chamber said Drishyam-2 starring Mohanlal will not be released in theatres. Chamber president Vijaya Kumar said their decision is to release the film in theatres first and then OTT release. Vijaya Kumar said that even if the film is a Mohanlal release or a newcomer’s film, it will not be released in theatres after OTT release.

Meantime, film exhibitors’ federation president Liberty Basheer rejected the stand of the film chamber. He said they will not accept their decision banning the film and said it will be released in theatres even after OTT release.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor said the decision for OTT release was taken following the financial crisis related to Marakkar film. Drishyam-2 will be released in Amazon Prime on February 19. Drishyam-2 is a sequel to Drishyam released in 2013. Apart from Mohanlal, Meena, Anziba, Esther, Murali Gopi. Asha Sharath, Siddique and many others are there in the film.

Vijaya Kumar told the media that there is a moral responsibility for actors towards theatres.

"It's the movie theatres which elevated all of them to their present level and hence it's not just Mohanlal alone, all the stars have a moral responsibility as all of them gained everything from movie theatres," said Vijaya Kumar.

Drishyam released in 2013 turned out to be one of the all-time grosser in the industry.

Mohanlal has himself in his twitter handle has said it would be released on February 19 on Amazon Prime.

Vijaya Kumar added that they are not against any one particular 'actor' but speaking for the movie theatres, as that is itself an industry which is losing ground due to various reasons and all those attached to these movie theatres is facing tough times.

"This film was registered as a theatre release," reminded Vijaya Kumar.