After making a splash in theatres in 2024 with its bold theme and emotional storytelling, Lal Salaam — the Rajinikanth starrer directed by his daughter Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth — is finally making its much-anticipated OTT debut. While its theatrical run received a mixed response, the film has now found a second innings. Starting June 6, 2025, coinciding with Eid-Al-Adha, the movie will be available for streaming exclusively on SUN NXT. With its themes of faith, friendship, and fierce rivalry set against the backdrop of cricket, Lal Salaam offers a narrative that’s more relevant than ever in today’s socio-political climate.
If you missed catching it on the big screen or want to relive the drama, emotion, and power-packed performances, here’s everything you need to know about Lal Salaam, its OTT release, storyline, and more.
When and Where to Watch ‘Lal Salaam’ Online?
Mark your calendars — Lal Salaam will be available for streaming from June 6, 2025, on SUN NXT, a leading South Indian OTT platform. This digital release comes a year after its theatrical debut, giving audiences a chance to experience the film at home during the festive season of Eid-Al-Adha (Bakrid).
SUN NXT made the announcement via their official social media handle, hinting at the return of the Superstar with the caption:
“Stay tuned & guess who’s firing up the screen this Bakrid?”
A Story of Friendship, Faith, and Cricket
Lal Salaam is more than just a sports drama — it’s a socially resonant narrative that combines cricket, religion, politics, and human emotions.
Set in the fictional town of Murarbad, the story revolves around Thiru and Shamsuddin, two childhood friends from different religious backgrounds. Their bond is strong, mirroring the long-standing friendship between their fathers. Cricket is the common thread that ties them together — a game they both cherish and use to escape the societal divide.
But harmony is short-lived.
A power-hungry politician’s son, seeing an opportunity during the election season, manipulates the situation and triggers a rivalry between the two. What unfolds next is a high-stakes cricket match, where more than just a trophy is at stake. It’s about loyalty, belief, and reclaiming brotherhood in a community teetering on the edge.
Rajinikanth’s Role – A Pivotal Presence
While Lal Salaam primarily follows the journey of Thiru and Shamsuddin, Rajinikanth appears in a powerful extended cameo, playing Moideen Bhai — a wise and respected figure in the community. His character serves as a moral anchor and adds gravitas to the movie’s themes of unity and compassion.
Even in a supporting role, Rajinikanth’s screen presence lights up the narrative. His portrayal has been widely appreciated for its emotional depth, particularly in scenes where he calls for religious harmony and mutual respect.
Star-Studded Cast That Elevates the Story
The ensemble cast brings authenticity and emotion to the table:
- Vishnu Vishal as Thiru delivers a layered performance, balancing aggression with vulnerability.
- Vikranth as Shamsuddin shines as a passionate cricketer with a strong sense of justice.
- Vivek Prasanna, Dhanya Balakrishna, Livingston, Senthil, and others provide excellent support.
- And of course, Rajinikanth as Moideen Bhai brings soul to the story.
The casting is one of the film’s biggest strengths — each character feels real and grounded.
AR Rahman’s Soul-Stirring Music
No Rajinikanth film feels complete without memorable music, and in Lal Salaam, the legendary AR Rahman takes charge of the soundtrack. His compositions perfectly mirror the emotional undertone of the story. From rousing cricket anthems to haunting melodies that reflect inner conflict, Rahman’s music adds emotional depth and cinematic richness to the movie.
Songs like “Thozhan” and “Ulagam Ondru” have become audience favorites, praised for their meaningful lyrics and compelling visuals.
Box Office Performance: A Mixed Yet Impactful Run
Lal Salaam opened with ₹8 crore worldwide on its first day, with Tamil Nadu contributing about ₹4 crore. While the film didn’t break records, it held steady for a few weeks, ending with:
- ₹17.5 crore net in India
- ₹32.5 crore gross worldwide
Though it had an average box office run, many viewed the film as a “bold cinematic attempt” tackling sensitive issues like communalism and political manipulation.
Why ‘Lal Salaam’ Deserves a Second Watch on OTT?
If you skipped Lal Salaam in theatres due to the mixed reviews, the OTT release gives you a perfect opportunity to revisit this thought-provoking sports drama. Here’s why it’s worth streaming:
- Topical Themes: The film delves into communal harmony and how easily friendships can be weaponised for political gains — a reality in many parts of the world.
- Rajinikanth’s Performance: Though not the central character, his scenes leave a lasting impact.
- Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth’s Direction: She handles a complex, multi-layered story with sensitivity and courage.
- Powerful Music by AR Rahman: The soundtrack adds depth and elevates key emotional moments.
- Festive Release Timing: The Eid release aligns perfectly with the movie’s underlying message of peace, unity, and celebration of togetherness.
Fan Reactions: From Mixed Reviews to Cult Appreciation
Initial reviews were divided — while critics pointed out pacing issues and slightly predictable plot arcs, audiences on social media praised the emotional depth and performances.
On Twitter (now X), fans described Lal Salaam as:
- “A sensitive portrayal of religious unity”
- “Bold in its intent, emotional in its execution”
- “A rare film that blends cricket, friendship, and politics in one seamless flow”
With the digital release, Lal Salaam might receive the wider appreciation it deserves.
Final Thoughts:
In an era where most sports dramas focus on glorification and triumph, Lal Salaam stands out for its grounded realism, heartfelt storytelling, and courage to tackle complex themes. It’s a reminder that cinema has the power to bridge divides, spark conversation, and — like cricket — bring people together, regardless of background or belief.
So this Eid-Al-Adha, if you’re looking for a movie that offers more than entertainment — one that leaves you thinking, feeling, and perhaps even healing — stream Lal Salaam on SUN NXT.
