From today (Jan 10) it’s a clash of the titans! Thalaivar will be up against Thala all the way as the stars lock horns with their films Petta and Viswasam releasing on the same day ahead of Pongal.
Petta, produced by Sun Pictures, has an ensemble cast of Superstar Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, Simran, Bobby Simha, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mega Akash and others. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Rajini is playins a gangster named Kaali from Madurai who transforms later into another avatar.
Viswasam is a rural actioner where Thala Ajith is seen portrayed in dual dimensional character as he plays a young version and a middle-aged Thookudurai. Directed by Siva, it features Nayanthara, Jagapathy Babu, Yogi Babu, Vivekh and Kovai Sarala and others in the supporting cast.
While the films are competing with each other in 1,000 screens across Tamil Nadu, theatres are still awaiting special permission from the government to hold midnight and early morning shows at 1 am and 4 am. If Rajini is big global star, Ajith is known as ‘King of Openings’.
Many theatres outside the city limit are reportedly screening 4 am shows of Viswasam , but Petta show will start only at 8 am in most screens except Kasi Theatre and Kasi Talkies. Sources say that since Petta is bankrolled by Sun Pictures, the state government may not grant permission for early morning shows.
Speaking to DC, Swaroop Reddy, president Sathyam Cinemas said, “As of now, our shows for the both the films begin only at 11.45 and noon on Jan 10. The advance booking commenced on Jan 7 and both Petta and Viswasam tickets for all the shows are sold out till Pongal (Jan 15). If we get GO for holding extra shows, we will have one more show in the morning.”
Though there’s no official confirmation, sources say theatres like Rakki Cinemas, Murugan Cinemas, Meera Theater and Ganga, Kolathur in the city outskirts have slotted Viswasam at 4 am on Jan 10. Whereas, Petta will reportedly be screened from 8 a.m.
Vettri Theatre in Chromepet, one of the most popular theatres in the city have announced recently that there will be no special early morning shows at their theatre. Bookings will open online for the evening and night shows directly. The tweet from the owner of Vettri Theatre, Rakesh Gowthaman read:
“Jan10 Bookings Update. Day1 eve/night shows bookings for #Petta #Viswasam will open tomorrow (Tuesday) night 10pm ONLY THROUGH ONLINE. #Petta #Viswasam FDFS tickets aren’t available. There are no such shows as 1am or 4am in #Vettri”.
Producer and trade analyst Dhanajeyan, says, “I won’t consider it as a clash. The reason is only two films are coming. And there are eleven days. In fact starting from tomorrow and till Jan 20, it is a holiday. Never ever it has happened like this that 11 days have been declared as a holiday by TN government. It’s going to be bonanza for both the films. Even if the films are pirated, people are going to watch it in theatres, as this is a lovely opportunity. So, irrespective ticket prices, it’s going to be fantastic at the BO and both films are going to benefit immensely. Since this releases on the Jan 10 itself, most people will have watched it by Jan 14th.” With a pun he adds, “They will be wondering what the new releases for Pongal are.”
Echoing the same views, Udeep reddy, who heads Mayajaal multiplex, says it is a good thing that two big movies are releasing at the festive occasion. “Being a festive occasion and films releasing ahead of Pongal day, people would throng the theatres to watch both the films. If they like they would watch them multiple times. And, for big stars films, piracy will not work. People would want to come to the theatres and spend their holidays with family.”
Udeep adds, “Among the 16 screens in Mayajaal, on the first day due to tremendous pressure from Ajith fans, we are running 36 shows of Viswasam and 28 shows of Petta. From the next day onwards, it is 50: 50, which means 8 screens of Viswasam and 8 of Petta. To be frank, after the opening day, there is a huge pressure for Petta.”
Udeep clarifies that they are not screening midnight or early morning shows as they were awaiting the GO for permitting such shows, at the time this newspaper contacted him.
Box Catch Team Petta at Kasi theatre on Jan 10. A little birdie reveals that ‘Team Petta’ barring Rajinikanth but including Kalanithi Maran, Subbaraj, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Anirudh and Latha Rajinikanth will be watching the show at Kasi Theatre at 4 am. Simran and Trisha might also join, the source added. And the fans have planned to take the team in an open van from Karthik’s office, which is situated closer to the theatre.
