The Kollywood film industry has witnessed several controversies related to films that released this year (2013).
Here is the list of controversies that shook the Tamil film industry
Vishwaroopam
Kamal Haasan's magnum opus "Vishwaroopam" faced release issues in Tamil Nadu. The spy thriller was mired in a controversy, when some organisations alleged that the film shows Muslims in poor light. Following the issue, the Tamil Nadu government banned the film from getting released.
While "Vishwaroopam" released as per the scheduled date in other Indian states, the film did not see the light of day in TN. On 29 January, the Madras High Court passed an order to lift the stay on the Kamal starrer, but the TN government appealed against the court's order to allow screening of the controversial film.
Upset over the release issues, Kamal threatened to leave the country in search of a secular place. The actor also said that he was staring at financial ruin due to the ban and could even go bankrupt.
After a week-long controversy, Tamil Nadu's chief minister Jayalalithaa offered to broker peace between Kamal Haasan and the Muslim organisations. The state government arranged for talks between the two parties. Following the meeting, both the groups arrived at an amicable settlement and Kamal agreed to edit some scenes and mute objectionable audio.
After making the changes, "Vishwaroopam" hit the screens in Tamil Nadu on 7 February. The film received appreciation from critics as well as audiences. It performed well at the box office raking in good collections. The Kamal starrer reportedly earned over ₹100 crore at the worldwide box office.
Kamal is gearing up to release "Vishwaroopam 2", a sequel to "Vishwaroopam." The film is likely to release in February 2014.
Thalaivaa
Vijay's "Thalaivaa", which was expected to hit screens on 9 August, was caught in release issues in Tamil Nadu.
The film's release was stalled in TN following theatre owners' refusal to screen the Vijay starrer due to bomb threats they received from the Tamil Nadu Oppressed Students Revolutionary Force. The student group was reportedly supporting a man named Karnan, who had raised objections against "Thalaivaa" claiming that the film was based on the life of his father and grandfather.
Vijay sought Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's help to resolve the issue. Following CM's interference, the issues surrounding the film's release were sorted out and the action drama hit screens on 20 August.
Madha Gaja Raja
The release of Vishal's "Madha Gaja Raja" was delayed due to financial trouble.
The shooting of "Madha Gaja Raja" was completed long ago, but the film's producers Gemini Film Circuit couldn't release the film due to payment issues. Vishal bought the film from Gemini Film circuit and offered to release it.
The comedy entertainer, directed by Sundar C, was expected to hit theatres on 6 September. However, the Madras High Court granted an interim injunction against the screening of "Madha Gaja Raja" following a civil suit filed by an individual. Santhanam, a resident of Australia, had claimed in a statement filed in the court that the film's original producers - Gemini Film Circuit - had failed to pay him money for rendering his services to "Madha Gaja Raja" crew while they were shooting in the country.
Later, Vishal disassociated with the comedy entertainer and Gemini Film Circuit reportedly acquired the film from the actor. They are planning to release the film, but have not yet announced the release date.
The film is still lying in the cans and is not known as to when it would see the light of day.
Naiyaandi
Kollywood's latest sensation Nazriya Nazim filed a police complaint alleging that "Naiyaandi" director had used a body double to shoot an intimate scene, which she had declined to perform, without her permission.
The actress demanded to watch the film prior to its release. Later, Nazriya withdrew her complaint as she did not find any objectionable scenes in the film, which stars Dhanush as the male lead.
The film released on 11 October and opened to mixed reviews. The Dhanush starrer failed to set the cash registers ringing at the box office.
Purampokku
Arya-Vijay Sethupathi's upcoming film "Purampokku" was involved in title issue.
The film ran into trouble following claims by cinematographer/actor Nataraj that he had registered the title "Purampokku" with the producers' council.
However, in an official press release, UTV Motion Pictures which is producing the film had clarified that the title belongs to them. "There were speculations about whether the title Purampokku belonged to UTV or not. We wish to clarify that the title is retained by us and the same was confirmed by the South Indian Film Chamber, the Tamil Film Producers' Council and Film & Television Producers' Guild," G Dhananjayan, the chief-south of Disney UTV, said in the press release.
"Hence, no more confusion and we retain the title for the film from writer-director S.P. Jhananathan as 'Purampokku - No Man's Land', starring Arya and Vijay Sethupathi," he added.
Recently, the first look poster of "Purampokku" was released and the film is expected to release next year.
