Tickets for Vishwaroopam, releasing in the city on Thursday, are sold out until Sunday.
So far, Kamal Haasan fans in Tamil Nadu had relied on the vicarious excitement that came from friends’ updates and videos on social networking sites, even as the drama over the alleged controversial content in the film unfolded in Chennai.
A number of theatres and multiplexes opened bookings soon after Kamal Haasan on Monday announced the date of release. “The response is fantastic, all shows are fully booked until Sunday,” said Archana Kalpathi, CEO, AGS Cinemas. A total of 28 shows will be screened on seven screens of the multiplex at the Villivakkam and Old Mahabalipuram Road branches.
The film, now with seven cuts and a disclaimer, will hit over 450 screens across the State — including nearly 30 in Chennai — according to sources close to Rajkamal Films International and distributors of the film. City police have no specific security arrangement on Thursday “since both parties had arrived at an amicable solution.” However, AGS Cinemas has sought police protection.
“Our Villivakkam complex was attacked and we want to be sure there is no problem when the film releases,” said Ms. Kalpathi, adding that the film was bound to have a great opening.
Kamala Cinemas in Vadapalani opened online bookings and according to its manager R. Ravichandran, tickets for the film are virtually sold out until next Tuesday. Udhayam Complex in Ashok Nagar too does not have tickets until Sunday. Sathyam Cinemas began ticket reservations for shows at Sathyam and Santham screens on Tuesday evening, while the manager of Albert theatre said they would, on Wednesday, at 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, fans who couldn’t bear the wait drove to neighbouring states to watch the film, in its original form. Vinodh Raj took a bus to Bangalore last weekend to watch the film. Emphasising that he was not only a Kamal fan, but also a fan of good cinema in general, he said: “Going all the way was worth it. I enjoyed the film,” he said.
