The issue surrounding Vijay's "Kaththi" has been resolved and the film is all set to hit screens on 22 October as a Diwali treat for fans, according to an official statement.
"We are happy to announce that all the issues have been solved amicably. Kaththi is releasing globally as a DEEPAVALI Dhamaka.
RESERVATIONS WILL START IN THEATERS TOMORROW MORNING ONWARDS," read the official press statement.
Earlier, some Tamil groups had protested against the release of "Kaththi" as they claimed that its producers – Lyca Productions – have business links with the relatives of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse. Cases were filed demanding a ban on "Kaththi" release, but the court gave a verdict stating that it will not interfere in the issue as the censor board has given a clean chit to the film.
Still, Tamil outfits protested against the film's release and demanded the removal of Lyca productions' name from the banner. Following a meeting between Karunamoorty of Ayngaran International, co-producer of "Kaththi," Tamil Nadu theatre owners and distributors, all issues connected to the film's release seems to have been solved amicably.
Theatre bookings are expected to commence from Tuesday morning. "#Kaththi - Matter sorted out, Lyca logo to b removed. Film confirmed release on Oct 22, all bookings online & theatre 2 start 2morro," tweeted entertainment industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai.
However, T. Velmurugan, leader of the Tamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi, who had gathered several other Tamil outfits to protest against the release of "Kaththi", has stated that they have not any communication regarding the removal of Lyca's name from the film's title.
"We were waiting till late in the night. No one has communicated anything to us. If the movie releases with Lyca in its banner, we will besiege the theatres. There is no question of any compromise," Velmurugan told The Hindu.
Theatres Attacked
Sathyam Theatres and Woodlands Theatre were attacked on Monday night after news of "Kaththi" release came out and advance bookings were underway.
Chennai Satyam theater glass walls are damaged by unknown people. They thru fire balls all inside the theater. pic.twitter.com/1oDKHC3Ru8
— Johnson PRO (@johnsoncinepro) October 20, 2014
Chennai city police have reportedly arrested five persons in connection with the incident at Sathyam Cinemas.
Woodlands theatre was also damaged as some 30 unknown members threw petrol bombs after the announcement of the film's release.. "Woodlands theatre also damaged , 30 unknown persons went n thrown petrol bombs," Johnson tweeted.
These incidents has cast a cloud on smooth release of "Kaththi" even as the makers have officially confirmed the release in around 2,000 screens worldwide.
Meanwhile, theatre owners are hoping that the film will release as per schedule. If the film gets pulled out, their business will suffer as the Vijay starrer is set for huge release.
"If Kaththi does not release, Vishal's Poojai will have to be moved to main screens. It will be difficult for the multiplexes because other films cannot compensate for Kaththi's business. We will have to increase screens for Shah Rukh Khan's Happy New Year, releasing this Friday," Rakesh Gowthaman, MD, Vettri Theatres, told The Hindu.
Directed by Murugadoss, "Kaththi" is deemed as an action entertainer with Vijay and Samantha in the lead roles. Neil Nithin Mukesh plays the antagonist, while Sathish of "Ethir Neechal" fame will provide comic relief.
