Vikram-Amy Jackson starrer "I" is all set for a massive release worldwide on 14 January. The blockbuster will be having a record release in Kerala, which is one of the key markets for Tamil films.
It will be releasing in 232 screens in the state. "#I biggest ever release on Jan 14, for any language film in Kerala through Global United Media - 232 screens!," tweeted entertainment industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai. "I" will reportedly have early morning shows, starting from 5.30 a.m., in nearly 30 screens in Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, "I" is expected to be released in about 400 screens, considering that there are few other films slated for Pongal release. The Vikram-starrer will be getting big screens in the state.
The film is expected to set new benchmarks in the United States, where it is slated to have a huge release. Reports suggest that "I" will be releasing in more than 400 screens including the Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions.
The romantic thriller is also expected to have big release in other key markets like Andhra, Telangana , Karnataka, UK , Australia and Malaysia.
The Hindi version of the film will reportedly be releasing on 16 January with select paid premiere shows on 15 January.
Advance booking for "I" has commenced in several theatres and has been getting mind-blowing response. The film is likely to take big openings on the first day of its release. Expectations on "I" are huge as Shankar and Vikram have teamed up for the second time.
The film's first-look teaser, trailer and the songs have generated a lot of excitement around it. Vikram and Shankar's star power and advance bookings are expected to enable the film do fantastic business on the opening day.
The long Pongal festival season is likely to boost the film's collections if it manages to impress the audience with its content.
While the Tamil version of "I" will be facing some competition from Vishal's "Aambala," the Telugu version might have to battle it out with Pawan Kalyan-Venkatesh's "Gopala Gopala," which has already hit the screens and is doing good business at the box office.
The Hindi version of the film will also not enjoy a solo run as a few Bollywood releases including Bipasha Basu's "Alone" are slated to hit the screens.
"I" has reportedly got a "U/A" certificate from the censor board. As a result, the Tamil version of the film will not be entitled to tax exemption. "Shankar's #I Releasing with 'U/A' in Tamil too thus ruling out Tax Exemption (30%ET) chances in TN," tweeted Andhraboxoffice.
The film needs to perform exceptionally well at the box office to make profit.
