Karthi’s blockbuster hit film Kaithi which hit the screens worldwide on October 25 is available on Hotstar from today (November 25). The film which is still running successfully has been made available on over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platform 'Hotstar' on completion of 30 days.

Kaithi which released alongside Vijay’s Bigil for Diwali was a 'sleeper hit' and has raked in Rs. 100 cr worldwide. The strong content and positive word-of-mouth drove audiences to theatres, but however the success streak of the film at the box office has been terminated by streaming the film online.

The news has not gone well with the exhibitors as the theatrical lifespan of the movie has been shortened with the advent of OTT platforms. Popular multiplex chains SPI Cinemas and PVR have abruptly removed the film from all its theatres in Chennai to show their displeasure over the new move.

This new trend has stirred up a debate among few exhibitors who  have voiced their concerns and threats that may surface in the future which might not be a healthy trend for the film industry.

Two out of three shows of #Kaithi went houseful yesterday @RohiniSilverScr on its 30th day since release. Today it is out officially online. This may not have an immediate effect but sets a dangerous precedent for the industry. Walking into a corporate trap, are we?

— Nikilesh Surya 🇮🇳 (@NikileshSurya) November 25, 2019

Instead why can’t we exhibitors have an agreement with the producers that we shall stop screening once it’s out on OTT.

The 60 day theatrical window shud be followed what so ever.

— Rakesh Gowthaman (@VettriTheatres) November 25, 2019

Proudcer SR Prabhu has also justified his decision to allow the film to stream online within a short period of 30 days on his Twitter page.

I see lot of genuine concerns over the 30 day window for films in OTT while running successfully in BO. Theatrical audience will reduce eventually if we continue this trend!? Yes! But, piracy & less terms from 3rd week can be compensated for producers only through this! #Kaithi

— S.R.Prabhu (@prabhu_sr) November 25, 2019