The co-producer of Uttama Villain , Lingusamy, has confirmed that Kamal Haasan’s Uttama Villain will release on May 1.
While the film has been facing opposition from religious groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Indian National League for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of the people, it was reported that some members of exhibitors’ association were trying to scuttle the film’s release.
During the release of Vishwaroopam, actor Kamal Haasan had filed a case against the exhibitors’ in the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for not allowing the simultaneous release of the film on DTH (Direct to Home) platform. Sources say the exhibitors demanded an immediate withdrawal of the case and a refund of expenses incurred to fight the case.
Since the demands were not being met initially, some members of the exhibitors’ association wanted to throw the spanner into the works and stall the release of Uttama Villain .
Compromise formula
Elaborating on the issue, Mr. Lingusamy, the film’s co-producer said: “There were problems with the release of the Uttama Villain . But after elaborate talks involving Raj Kamal films and other stake holders, it was decided that issues related to Vishwaroopam must not be allowed to affect the release of Uttama Villain . It was also decided that future producers of Kamal Haasan’s movies will refund a part of the amount demanded by the exhibitors.”
However, Mr. Lingusamy said that a few days ago he had received information that the film has been given a ‘red card’ by the exhibitors, which would affect the release of the film.
Clarifying the matter, filmmaker Lingusamy categorically stated that the film will release on May 1 as planned.
Abirami Ramanathan, a well-known exhibitor and distributor in Chennai, who has actually bought the theatrical rights of Uttama Villain for Chennai market, said that the case filed in Vishwaroopam will not have any bearing on Uttama Villain .
Speaking on behalf of exhibitors, he said, “We don’t know who has given a red card for the film. I have bought the rights for the film and the film will release on May 1.”
With this issue out of the way, Kamal Hassan has one hurdle less until May 1.
