Haiku recoups 80% of ₹11 crore budget before release, Netflix bags OTT rights
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tamil romantic entertainer Haiku, directed by Yuvaraj Chinnasamy and slated to hit screens on 23 October 2025, has already recovered approximately 80 per cent of its ₹11 crore production budget ahead of its theatrical debut, producer Dr D Arulanandhu has revealed. The recovery has been driven primarily by the sale of digital streaming rights to Netflix, which acquired the film's post-theatrical OTT window even before the completion of shooting.
How the Numbers Stack Up
Speaking to reporters, producer Dr D Arulanandhu confirmed that the film was made on an outlay of around ₹11 crore. He noted that rights across various platforms had sold rapidly, with OTT rights alone accounting for a substantial chunk of the recovery. 'I have got sixty per cent by way of OTT rights. We have recovered almost 80 per cent of the total money invested in the project even before its release,' he said.
The Netflix deal had already drawn attention earlier, given the unusual timing — the streamer committed to the digital rights before the film's shoot was even wrapped. Such pre-release OTT acquisitions remain relatively uncommon in Tamil cinema for mid-budget productions, signalling strong platform confidence in the film's commercial appeal.
What the Film Is About
Producer Arulanandhu described the story as following a young man's life journey from age 19 to 26, with a narrative built around relatable milestones and emotional experiences. 'Even a 45-year-old man would be able to connect with what happens in this film. Everyone who watches it will be able to relate to at least a couple of incidents that happen in it,' he said.
A significant portion of the plot reportedly revolves around the protagonist being admitted, under extraordinary circumstances, to a women's college — with his experiences as the lone male student forming a central comedic and dramatic thread. The producer said he was drawn to the project specifically by the way the story was narrated to him.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Aegan, Sridevi, and Femina George in the lead roles. Hari Haran Ram has contributed additional screenplay. On the technical side, Priyesh Guruswamy handles cinematography, Sakthi Pranesh is the editor, Siddhu Kumar has scored the music, and Prem leads art direction. The film is produced by Dr D Arulanandhu and Mathewo Arulanandhu under the banner Vision Cinema House.
Release and Expectations
Haiku is scheduled for a theatrical release on 23 October 2025. The film has generated notable buzz among younger audiences, partly driven by its distinctive premise and partly by the high-profile Netflix deal. With 80 per cent of its budget reportedly already recovered, the production house is in a low-risk position heading into its opening weekend — a relatively rare achievement for a debutant-adjacent cast in Tamil cinema.