Written by: JBR
'Sivaji' seems to be an exception. Even after the film has been completed, AVM Saravanan and MS Guhan remain silent about the release date. On the day of the pooja, AVM Saravanan said, "We have not decided on the release date or the budget of 'Sivaji.' We leave both in the hands of director Shankar."
The talkie portion as well as song sequences are complete. The dubbing is also almost over. Studio sources even all the patchwork stuff has been completed last week itself.
The only work left is re-recording. This will pick up pace once composer AR Rehman returns from his overseas tour. He is expected to return next month to Chennai. So the film unit feels it is doubtful if the film would be ready for release on Apr 12 or 14.
Moreover, Rajini's lucky day is Thursday. Director Shankar's lucky number is 8. Both believe in astrology. Both would like to release the film on their lucky date. Because of these reasons, the release date of 'Sivaji' has not yet been finalized. This has affected about 15 producers, who are in a quandary about when to release their own films.
The Rajini-Shankar combo has raised great expectations of this film. Once 'Sivaji' is released, it will draw all cinema fans to it. Those films that get released at the same time as 'Sivaji' will be devastated like rubble in a storm.
Because of this, nearly 15 films are ready for release but have not been for fear of being demolished. 'Pirappu,' 'Satham Podaathey,' 'Oru Ponnu Oru Paiyan,' 'Kaanal Neer,' 'Unnale Unnale,' 'Ninaithu Ninaithu Paarthein,' 'Solli Adippen,' 'Chennai 600028,' 'Thoovaanam,' 'Kannum Kannum' and 'Koodal Nagar' are important films awaiting release.
There's only person in Tamil cinema who is not affected by the release date of 'Sivaji.' That is Cheran. He has stated quite firmly that his 'Maya Kannadi' will hit theatres in April.
'Bhima' should have been released long ago, but director Lingusamy frankly says he is waiting for 'Sivaji' and 'Dasavataram' to be released before he will think of releasing 'Bhima.'
For so many to fear 'Sivaji,' the reason is not just the magnitude of the film. There is also a shortage of theatres.
For Tamil New Years Day in 2005, 3 films were released - 'Chandramukhi,' 'Mumbai Xpress' and 'Sachein.' Since proper theatres were not available, 'Anniyan' waited for release even though it was already complete.
Now the Tamilnadu Govt., has reduced the prices of theatre tickets and there's a ban on ticket rates being raised for the first 2 weeks after a film's release, with permission from the district authorities.
'Sivaji' has been made with a budget of 35 crore. With the current ticket rates, it would not be possible to recover the investment. One way out is to release the film in many theatres. Another possibility is to release 'Sivaji' in all theatres in multiplexes.
This would make it difficult to get theatres to screen other films. This is said to be the major reason why producers are unable to release their films despite them being ready.
While 'Sivaji' is putting the fear into other films, the Internet is putting its fear into 'Sivaji.' The unit has been safeguarding even the film stills so closely, but even before the official audio release, the songs from 'Sivaji' are available on the Internet and millions have already heard it. The official audio release is slated for April 4, but before that, there is bright prospect of audio piracy happening!
If the film clippings of 'Sivaji' are released on the net, it could adversely affect attendance at theatres and hence the collection too. Since one has only a limited control over the Internet, the only way to ensure total collection is to have the film released at the earliest.
That's why, more than other producers, the 'Sivaji' unit is eager to know when the film would be released. In a way, this strange problem facing the release of 'Sivaji' could be a first time in the history of Tamil cinema!
|
Feedback!
|
|
-27.03.2007
