There have been several instances of films struggling in theatres before finding appreciation on streaming platforms. While an OTT revival cannot compensate for the losses suffered by producers and distributors during the theatrical run, it can certainly provide a much-needed boost to the team. In an era where criticism and trolling dominate social media, even a little appreciation can feel like a pat on the back for those involved. Now, one such Tamil film appears to be enjoying a surprising second innings on streaming.
A Major Commercial Failure
Released amid modest expectations, the Tamil film opened to around ₹4.5 crore net in India on its first day and struggled to gain momentum thereafter. Despite being a sequel to a successful film, negative word of mouth severely affected its theatrical prospects, with the film eventually closing at around ₹25 crore worldwide. The disappointing run came as a major setback for the team, especially given the expectations riding on the franchise and its lead actors.
A Breathe of Fresh Air
Wondering which film we are talking about? It is none other than Karthi and S. J. Suryah’s Sardar 2. Written and directed by P. S. Mithran, the spy-action thriller is a sequel to the 2022 blockbuster Sardar and also features Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath and Rajisha Vijayan. Following its theatrical run, this Tamil film premiered on Prime Video on October 1 and has now climbed to the No. 1 spot among trending movies in India, giving the makers and cast a welcome change of fortunes.
