CHENNAI, Sept 24: Actor Dhanush has postponed the release of his upcoming Tamil film ‘OM: Chapter 1’, which was scheduled to reach cinemas on October 16, saying the decision was taken out of respect for superstar Rajinikanth and to avoid a clash between major releases.
Dhanush announced the change in a statement shared on social media on September 23. The actor said that Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 15, just one day before the previously planned release of ‘OM: Chapter 1’.
According to Dhanush, moving the film became necessary because of the importance of allowing major productions to have sufficient space in the theatrical market. He said the decision was made with respect for Rajinikanth, whom he described as a superstar admired by generations of Tamil cinema audiences.
The postponement means audiences will have to wait longer for ‘OM: Chapter 1’, which stars Dhanush alongside Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty. The film also features Priya Bhavani Shankar and is being produced by Dhanush under his production banner Wunderbar Films.
The makers have not announced a new release date. Dhanush also made it clear that the movie will not move into the Diwali release window this year because another major Tamil film has already secured that period.
Suriya’s ‘Scene’, directed by Jithu Madhavan, has been announced for the Diwali period. Dhanush said the team had announced its release date before ‘OM’ and that his production would therefore stay away from that window as well.
The decision highlights the increasingly crowded release schedule for Tamil cinema during the final months of 2026. Several high-profile films are targeting October and November, creating intense competition for screens, audience attention and favourable show timings.
Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 factor
The immediate reason behind the postponement is the release of ‘Jailer 2’. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, the sequel follows the success of the 2023 Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Jailer’.
The original film became one of Rajinikanth’s major commercial successes and crossed Rs 600 crore worldwide, according to The Indian Express. The sequel is scheduled for October 15 and features music by Anirudh Ravichander.
With ‘Jailer 2’ arriving only a day before ‘OM: Chapter 1’, Dhanush and his team faced the prospect of releasing a new film during the immediate aftermath of a major Rajinikanth release.
Rather than competing directly for the same audience and theatrical resources, the makers opted to move their film.
Dhanush’s announcement also addressed speculation that ‘OM’ could shift to the Diwali period. That option has effectively been ruled out because Suriya’s ‘Scene’ is already scheduled for the festival window.
The same period is also expected to feature ‘Maha Sakthi’, the sequel to ‘Mookuthi Amman’, adding another major title to the calendar.
Mammootty and Dhanush combination
‘OM: Chapter 1’ has attracted attention because of the combination of Dhanush and Mammootty. The two actors belong to different generations and industries within South Indian cinema, making their collaboration one of the notable elements of the project.
The film’s title also indicates that the makers may be developing a larger story that could continue across multiple chapters. However, detailed plot information remains limited.
Mammootty’s appearance from the film had previously generated interest among fans after a clip from the production surfaced online. His look and intense screen presence drew attention before the makers had revealed extensive details about the story.
The technical team includes cinematographer Om Prakash and production designer Rajeevan. Dhanush is producing the project through Wunderbar Films.
The postponement does not indicate that the film has been cancelled. Instead, the production is being moved away from a release period dominated by several major Tamil titles.
Release strategy in Tamil cinema
Release dates have become an important part of the commercial planning process for big-budget Indian films. The availability of screens, audience preferences, festival periods and competition from other major productions can all affect how a film performs after reaching cinemas.
For ‘OM: Chapter 1’, the original October 16 date would have placed it immediately after ‘Jailer 2’. The decision to move away from that position gives the makers additional time to identify another suitable window.
The Diwali period, meanwhile, is already occupied by previously announced projects. Dhanush specifically pointed to Suriya’s film as a reason for not entering that market.
This means the eventual new date could come later in the year or potentially at another point in the theatrical calendar, although no such date has been confirmed.
The development also demonstrates how release planning involves coordination between different productions. Dhanush said the team believed that major films should show mutual understanding and respect each other’s previously announced plans.
What audiences can expect
For now, audiences will have to wait for a fresh announcement from the makers of ‘OM: Chapter 1’. The film remains one of the projects drawing attention because of its cast, with Dhanush and Mammootty leading the film.
The postponement could also give the production team more flexibility in choosing a release period in which the movie can receive a larger share of screens and audience attention.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ remains scheduled for October 15, while Suriya’s ‘Scene’ has the Diwali window. The crowded calendar means several major Tamil productions will be carefully positioning their releases as the year progresses.
Dhanush’s announcement has therefore shifted the focus from an October 16 release to the question of when ‘OM: Chapter 1’ will finally reach cinemas. Until the producers announce a new date, details about the film’s theatrical plans remain open.