Chennai, Oct 21 (PTI) Popular Tamil actor Vijay, whose Diwali release ‘Kaththi’ (Knife) is facing ire of pro-Tamil groups, on Tuesday said all issues have been resolved with the producers heeding demands that their name be removed from the film’s publicity material.
“I sincerely thank Puratchi Thalaivi (Revolutionary Leader) Amma (as Jayalalithaa is addressed), who supported the amicable release of the film, Tamil Nadu police, theatre owners and producers who respected Tamils’ sentiments to remove their name,” he said while extending his Diwali greetings.
Vijay’s earlier film ‘Thalaiva’ had also faced pre-release protests from some fringe groups. His ‘Thuppakki’ also faced problems over portrayal of a particular community.
“This issue has been resolved amicably. So we request the fans and common people who were eagerly awaiting the movie to watch it and enjoy,” he said a statement here.
Meanwhile, theatre owners, who met here in the wake of two cinemas here screening the movie being attacked by miscreants last night, said the film will be released tomorrow.
‘Kaththi’ will be released across 440 screens in the state, R Panneerselvam, a theatre owner, said.
The A R Murugadoss-directed action film had run into rough weather with about 150 groups, under an umbrella organisation spearheaded by T Velmurugan, opposing the movie alleging that producer Lyca Productions were close to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapajksa.
Velmurugan continued his strident stand against the movie, alleging that the family of Rajapaksa held shares in Lyca, owned by one London-based Subashkaran Allirajah.
The former PMK leader, whose party Tamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi is an an ally of ruling AIADMK, however denied that any compromise had been arrived at and said that peaceful protests will continue against the Vijay-starrer.
“Till the time Lyca, in which Rajapakse’ family holds shares, ceases to be the producer of the film, our protests will continue in front of all cinema theatres where the film will be released,” he said.
He however denied the protests were against Vijay or Murugadoss.
