OTT Platforms Will Strengthen Cinema: Tamil Director Hari

Director Hari has recently shown his support for platforms like OTT and YouTube. He thinks these platforms will be important for the future of filmmaking.

Hari recently spoke with the media following the release of the trailer for the film Rathnam at Balakrishna Theater in Thoothukudi. In his interview, he shared his views on OTT platforms, suggesting that YouTube would not significantly affect the film industry. He stressed that audiences still prioritise watching high-quality films in theatres.

Written and directed by Hari, Rathnam stars Priya Bhavani Shankar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Vishal. With music composed by Devi Sri Prasad, the cinematography of the film is handled by M Sukumar. Meanwhile, the film is backed by Kaarthekeyen Santhanam and Karthik Subbaraj and editing is overseen by TS Jay.

This film marks the 17th directorial of Hari. They filmed in Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Courtallam, and other places. Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the female lead opposite Vishal. Ratnam will be released in theatres across Tamil Nadu on April 26. Some time back, the makers released the trailer.

One user wrote, “Many thanks to the Tamil directors who make films like this and keep us from going to the theatre." Another user commented, “Best wishes to Ratnam Vishal who is making a comeback with Vishal’s Tamirabarani Pooja under the direction of Hari." “Thamirabharani won the first, Pooja won the second and Ratnam won the hat-trick."

Hari is best known for films including Singam, Saamy, and Singam 2. He last appeared in the film Yaanai. Some of his other notable films include Poojai, Policegiri, Venghai, Ayya, Thaamirabharani and Seval. His previous film Yaanai received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. The film generated a box office collection of Rs 45 crore.

Meanwhile, Priya Bhavani Shankar shot to fame with movies including Kuruthi Aattam, Meyaadha Maan, Kadaikutty Singam, and Thiruchitrambalam. She has a few films in the pipeline including Indian 2, Zebra, VidaaMuyarchi and Demonte Colony 2, and Aham Brahmasmi.