The co-producer of Kamal Haasan-starrer Uttama Villain has confirmed the film will release on May 1.
While the film has been facing opposition from religious groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Indian National League for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of people, it had also been reported that some members of the exhibitors’ association are trying to scuttle the film’s release.
During the release of Vishwaroopam, Kamal had filed a case against the exhibitors with the Competition Commission of India for not allowing the simultaneous release of the film on the Direct-to-Home platform. Sources say the exhibitors demanded immediate withdrawal of the case and a refund of the expenses incurred to fight the case.
Since the demands were not being met initially, some members of the exhibitors’ association wanted to throw a spanner in the works and stall the release of Uttama Villain.
The film’s co-producer, Lingusamy, says: “There were problems with the release of Uttama Villain. But after elaborate talks involving Raj Kamal Films and other stakeholders, it has been decided that issues related to Vishwaroopam must not be allowed to affect the release of Uttama Villain. It has also been decided that future producers of Kamal Haasan’s movies will refund a part of the amount demanded by the exhibitors.”
Abirami Ramanathan, distributor who has bought the theatrical rights of Uttama Villain for Chennai, says the case filed against Vishwaroopam will not have any bearing on Uttama Villain.
