Suriya donates a sum of ₹1.5crores to different film bodies

On Vinayagar Chaturthi, Suriya had surprised his fans and others by announcing that his much-awaited film,

Soorarai Pottru

, will skip theatres and will be available on an

OTT

platform from October 30. He had also announced contributing a sum of ₹5 crore from the proceeds of the sale of the film to the needy, film industry workers and frontline workers who have been leading the battle since few months against COVID-19. On Friday, as a first step, the actor, as promised, donated ₹1.5 crores (from the profits of Soorarai Pottru) to different film bodies, which include ₹80 lakhs to FEFSI (Film Employees Federation of South India), ₹20 lakhs to TANTIS (Directors Union), ₹30 lakhs to Tamil Film Producers’ Council and ₹20 lakhs to Nadigar Sangam.

Actor and Suriya’s father Sivakumar and Rajsekar Pandian, director of production company 2D Entertainment, handed over the cheques to the film bodies at

Bharathirajaa

's Film Institute. Director Bharathirajaa, producers Kalaipuli Thanu and Suresh Kamatchi, actor Nasser, FEFSI president RK Selvamani and others were present.

Earlier, Suriya’s decision to release the film on an OTT avenue had evoked mixed reaction among his fans and industry insiders. The likes of director Hari requested him to re-consider the decision while senior filmmaker Bharathirajaa lauded his decision as he felt it new projects can be started only if existing projects that are ready are released.