Suriya's 'Soorarai Pottru' is one of the most highly anticipated film in Kollywood, and the expectations from the film are at an all-time high when Suriya is seen rocking the role of Nedumaaran in the teaser.

While fans have been keeping calm and patiently waiting to watch the film on the big screens when the cinema halls are open post lockdown, here's some sad news from the makers. Suriya's 'Soorarai Pottru' will not release in theaters, and will release on OTT streaming site Amazon Prime Video.

The actor made the announcement on the occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi on Twitter. Originally scheduled to hit theaters in the summer of 2020, the Sudha Kongara directorial will now stream on Amazon Prime Video from October 30.

Vinayagar Chathurthi wishes to all!#SooraraiPottruOnPrime @PrimeVideoIN pic.twitter.com/ZdYSF52ye2

— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) August 22, 2020

Talking about the film’s digital release, Suriya said in a statement, “I am glad that audiences across the world will be able to watch Soorarai Pottru, on Amazon Prime Video from their homes in these unprecedented times. This film is our labour of love and I am happy that it will now entertain the global audience.”

Suriya said that it is important to swim against the adversities faced by the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling Soorarai Pottru an important movie in his cinematic journey, Suriya said that he is eager to relish the movie with his beloved fans in movie theatres.

“However, the situation does not allow it at present. It is a producer’s important duty to ensure that a movie, which is a result of the creativity and hard work of people from multiple fields, reaches the audience at the right time,” he said.

"The moment I heard the script from Director Sudha, I was sure it has to be told and I wanted to produce this film under 2D Entertainment. Essaying Capt. Gopinath's character came to me as a challenge, but we are very proud of our final product." Suriya said.

Sudha Kongara shared, "Directing Suriya is a joy. He was my first and last choice for the role of Capt. Gopinath."

Co-producer Guneet Monga said, "Soorarai Pottru is a very special film in many ways. It is an Indian story with a global connect. It was fulfilling to see Suriya and Sudha adapt the story of Capt Gopinath so beautifully. We are excited to bring this journey of hope, love, friendship, and entrepreneurship in times like these and really hope that the audience enjoys this cinematic experience in the comfort of their homes on Amazon Prime Video."

Declaring that it has been decided to release Soorarai Pottru via the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video, Suriya requested his industry colleagues, members of the general public and his fans to understand the call taken based on his conscience. “I believe that by the time people are able to visit movie theatres and spend happy times watching movies, I will be able to act in a few more movies and release them,” he added. Stating that his production house 2D Entertainment has released eight movies so far and has 10 more in the pipeline, Suriya said that in dire times, it is fair to take decisions as a producer and not as an actor.

The movie’s release on Amazon Prime Video assumes significance since this is the first Tamil big budget movie with a big male star to release directly on an OTT platform. The film also stars Aparna Balamurali as the female lead.

While it was rumoured that actor Vijay’s 'Master', directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, will be released directly on OTT platforms, the film’s producer put the rumours to rest by saying that 'Master' will be released only in theatres first and not on OTT platforms.

Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video India, said, “Following the overwhelming response, we received to the recently launched Ponmagal Vandhal we are excited to treat our audience with the global premiere of a highly-anticipated Suriya starrer Soorarai Pottru on Amazon Prime Video. G. R. Gopinath’s life and accomplishments have been an inspiration to many – and we thrilled to bring such an uplifting story to our audiences.”

Suriya also announced that he will be allocating and distributing Rs 5 crore from the release expense of Soorarai Pottru to those in the frontline fighting COVID-19, for the benefit of those in the industry, and the general public. The details of the same will be announced soon, he added.

Previously, Suriya had faced oppsitions from theatre owners for releasing Jyothika starrer 'Ponmagal Vandhal' from his banner directly on Amazon Prime Video. At the time, theatre owners had threatened to boycott Suriya's films for bypassing a theatrical release and going for an OTT release.

However, afterwards, numerous films have choose direct OTT release in the south, apart from 'Ponmagal Vandhal', 'Penguin', 'Sufiyum Sujatayum', 'Krishna and His Leela', 'Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya', 'Law' and 'French Biriyani' to name a few. Reports suggest few other films are also expected to release on OTT in the coming months, with no end in sight for the theatres to reopen in coming months.

'Soorarai Pottru' also features Paresh Rawal, Jackie Shroff and Mohan Babu in significant roles. Soorarai Pottru's technical team also includes composer GV Prakash, cinematographer Niketh Bommireddy and editor Sathish Suriya.

Meanwhile, Suriya has two more projects in his kitty. He has a film titled 'Vaadivasal' with filmmaker Vetrimaaran, which is based on a popular Tamil novel of the same name. Written by CS Chellapa, 'Vaadivasal' story about a 'Jallikattu' bull and the one who captures it.

Suriya also has a project titled 'Aruvaa' with filmmaker Hari. However, recent rumours suggest that Suriya has opted out of the film and has been replaced by actor Arun Vijay. However there is no official confirmation on this yet.