Suriya’s Soorarai Pottru release postponed for want of IAF clearance

Actor Suriya’s upcoming Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (SP), which was slated to be released on Amazon Prime Video on 30 October, has been postponed as the team is yet to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Directed by Sudha Kongara, Soorarai Pottru is based on the life of Captain GR Gopinath, founder of the budget airline Air Deccan.

In a letter shared on Twitter yesterday, Suriya wrote, “Unfortunately, the wait for the film's release will now be a little longer than anticipated.”

The actor said the film deals with aviation and various permissions had been sought because it was a matter of national security and real IAF aircraft were used.

Suriya sought support from his well-wishers. “When we started Soorarai Pottru we thought the only challenges we would face would be shooting on never-before locations, working with people speaking different languages and bringing in personnel with different skill sets to bring alive the magnificent world of Maara... However, what pains me is how eagerly my well-wishers were waiting for this, but we seem to have no other option. I personally hope my well-wishers will take this in good spirit, with love and faith,” he wrote.

From us to you, an ode to never-ending support and friendship https://t.co/5KuqtOfX7J#SooraraiPottruOnPrime@primevideoin #SudhaKongara @gvprakash @2D_ENTPVTLTD@rajsekarpandian pic.twitter.com/c447emLnyf

— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) October 22, 2020

The project, which marks Suriya’s maiden collaboration with a female director, also stars Aparna Balamurali, Paresh Rawal and veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu in crucial roles.

Produced by Suriya’s 2D Entertainment, the film marks the Southern debut of renowned indie producer Guneet Monga, who is co-producing this project. Soorarai Pottru features music by GV Prakash Kumar.