Actor Suriya, who also produces films under 2D Entertainment, revealed that the banner has more than 20 content ideas in the works in partnership with Amazon Prime Video, in an exclusive interview with Variety.
Suriya was last seen in the critically-acclaimed film Jai Bhim, which was backed by his home banner and premiered on the streaming platform in November 2021. The film, which is among the 276 films in contention for this year’s Oscars, was part of 2D’s four-film deal with Amazon Prime Video.
The actor told Variety that 2D’s relationship with Amazon will continue. “Right now, we see a lot more opportunities with Amazon,” he said, adding that this would include both films and series, and in the case of films, there will be direct-to-OTT releases as well as digital premieres on the platform post a theatrical release.
Confirming this, Manish Menghani, head of licensing at Prime Video India, said that the platform is also working with the banner to commission Amazon original films in addition to post-theatrical releases and direct-streaming titles.
Suriya noted that streaming services give space for films to do away with “certain commercial things” like stunt sequences. “We were able to give the kind of film that we really honestly wanted to give. We didn’t have to please a certain section of the audience. We didn’t have to tick all the boxes, basically,” he said.
He further added that Amazon has showed them how films can reach beyond borders and language barriers. Jai Bhim was the actor’s second film after Soorarai Pottru to opt for a direct-OTT release, at a time when mainstream actors were still holding fast for theatrical releases.
The upcoming titles from Suriya’s partnership with Amazon may not all feature the actor. “If there is a need, I would love to be a part of it [as an actor],” he said, adding that he wants to be the “showrunner” and be part of the entire process. He also revealed that plans are in the pipeline to introduce several writers to the streaming medium and “tap into the rich vein of literature that Tamil Nadu is famous for.”
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Meanwhile, on the acting front, Suriya is awaiting the theatrical release of Etharkkum Thunindhavan, helmed by Pandiraj. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film will likely premiere after the current pandemic restrictions are lifted. The actor will next begin shooting for director Bala’s upcoming feature. Suriya’s line-up also includes Vetri Maaran’s Vaadi Vaasal, an untitled film with Siva, and a second collaboration with Sudha Kongara after Soorarai Pottru.