Fahadh Faasil's Maalik to be released directly on OTT platform, actor says it was collective decision

Actor Fahadh Faasil has opened up, in a statement, about the decision to release the upcoming Malayalam film Maalik directly on an over-the-top platform despite it being made specifically for viewing in theatres. He also spoke about the accident on the sets of his upcoming film Malayankunju. 

Tipped to be a crime drama, Maalik’s story unfolds over two weeks. The film also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan and Divya Prabha.

Last year, the film’s director, Mahesh Narayanan, said that the film would only be released in theatres.

Fahadh has requested fans to accept the decision to premiere the film on an OTT platform. His statement read, "With a heavy heart, the director, the producer, all the technicians and rest of us cast have opted for an OTT release for our very ambitious project, Maalik. Each and everyone associated with Maalik has put in over a year’s time to bring this project together. Unlike my recent OTT releases which were planned for home viewing right from the beginning, Maalik was designed for a theatrical experience and it was the only film I had ready when theatres would open to 100% (sic)."

Stating that the decision was a collective one, the statement read, "The decision has been collective and I personally request everyone to see it in the best interest of the film. In all honesty, I cannot wait for the theatres to regain normalcy but today every individual is fighting to regain normalcy in their respective space. At this point, all that I can take responsibility for is for an absolute fresh theatrical experience when I see you all in theatres next (sic)."

Talking about the accident on the sets of his film Malayan Kunju, in which he injured his nose, Fahadh said he had ended up with three stitches. 

"This may not be an appropriate time to write midst a life-threatening pandemic. Let me begin with the hope that all of us are fighting things the best way we can, now and ahead. I was also undergoing recovery from my accident I had during Malayankunju. So, in my calendar, the lockdown started from March 2. My doctors said it was ‘Close’. As a defence mechanism, my hands touched the ground before my face, which in 80% of the cases victims fail to do because of the trauma and depth of the fall. I was lucky I didn’t lose my presence of mind, my doctor added. There again, I was lucky with life for the Nth time (sic)," he said.