The advance booking for Vijay's "Kaththi" in Chennai has been started at 2 pm on Tuesday (October 21). Amidst the protests over the release, the theatre owners have opened the counters to sell the tickets for the opening day.

With the timely intervention of the state government and the support of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners' Association, "Kaththi" is ready to see the light of the day on Wednesday (22 October). There were fears that the Kollywood movie might be delayed due to the protests of some fringe groups. Especially, after the attack on Sathyam Cinemas last evening by some miscreants over the advance booking, it appeared like the Vijay starrer might not be released.

However, Vijay and the makers of "Kaththi" sought the government's help in solving the issue and the authorities responded positively to their request. Thus, the film is ready for the release as scheduled. The advance booking, which was started at some places last week, has opened on Tuesday in all the leading theatres and multiplexes in Chennai.

Archana Kalapathi of AGS Cinemas announced the happy news as she wrote, "#Kaththi issues are resolved . Bookings will open in 10 min @ags_cinemas . Excited to get my tickets for #Fdfs."

The most encouraging tweet came from Sathyam Cinemas, which was attacked by the pro-Tamil groups last evening. The theatre authorities announced the commencement of the opening of advance booking by posting, "It's here! #Kaththi bookings opening at 2:00 PM at all cinemas! Book your tickets now!" The pre-booking will begin throughout the state soon.

Meanwhile, "Kaththi" will be released sans the name of the production house – Lyca Productions. Bowing down to the demand of the pro-Tamil outfits, the makers have decided to do away with its name. After Vijay released a statement thanking former Chief Minister Jayalalitha, the government, police and the producers, the situation seem to have calmed down.

However, the protestors have continued their fight and the outfits say that they will fight the issue in a democratic way by sitting dharnas in front of theatres.

Abirami Ramanathan has confirmed finally that the film will release as scheduled tomorrow and bookings will open in sometime. Vijay has also sent an official statement saying the film’s release has been confirmed and the issues have been settled amicably. In his letter ,Vijay also thanked Jayalalitha, theater owners, distributors and producers for agreeing to remove the Lyca logo in all the film’s advertisements.

The film will be released in over 440 screens in Tamil Nadu.

On social media, celebrities voiced their opinions freely and supported Kaththi.

Producer J Anbazhagan – “My support will be always there for the #Kaththi movie and Tamil Film Industry. #ISupporKaththi. I request don not enter politics in cinema.“

Prakash Raj – “What is happening to vijay n murugadas ‘s KATHTHi Is unfortunate. What ever the reason. Pls don’t mix politics to cinema. Not fair at all“

Madhan Karky – “Protests and petrol bombs to stop a movie release. And we say movies are illogical! Hope #Kaththi releases on time.“

Radikaa Sarathkumar -”Why are these so called protesters attacking public places, and holding up a films release? This is not good“

Nitin Sathya – “Breaking theatres to scare?? What will happen if all fans go on a rampage to the politco’s office all Tamil Nadu? #Release film“

Sibiraj – “#kaththiarrivesondiwali Diwali would’ve been incomplete without watching #Vijay anna on screen. All the best to #Kaththi and #Poojai!”

Earlier:

Velmurugan, the founder of ‘Tamilar Vaazhurimai Kootamaippu’ is still firm with his decision to act against Lyca productions and he met the press to confirm the same. “Ayngaran is okay to release the movie without Lyca’s logo in TN, but Lyca is not co-operating for the same” – concluded Velmurugan.

He added that the FEFSI Siva has assured that they would not work with Lyca in the future and the theatre owners also looking forward to screen the movie only if does not carry any threat from the protestors.

So, the release of ‘Kaththi’ is still unsure and we tried getting a word from, Abirami Ramanathan, the president of the theatre owners association says that he will release the movie if the producers give the print, else he wouldn’t .

Theatres attacked

Sathyam Theatres and Woodlands Theatre were attacked on Monday night after news of "Kaththi" release came out and advance bookings were underway.
Chennai city police have reportedly arrested five persons in connection with the incident at Sathyam Cinemas.

Woodlands theatre was also damaged as some 30 unknown members threw petrol bombs after the announcement of the film's release.. "Woodlands theatre also damaged , 30 unknown persons went n thrown petrol bombs," Johnson tweeted.

These incidents has cast a cloud on smooth release of "Kaththi" even as the makers have officially confirmed the release in around 2,000 screens worldwide.

Meanwhile, theatre owners are hoping that the film will release as per schedule. If the film gets pulled out, their business will suffer as the Vijay starrer is set for huge release.

"If Kaththi does not release, Vishal's Poojai will have to be moved to main screens. It will be difficult for the multiplexes because other films cannot compensate for Kaththi's business. We will have to increase screens for Shah Rukh Khan's Happy New Year, releasing this Friday," Rakesh Gowthaman, MD, Vettri Theatres, told reporters.

Directed by Murugadoss, "Kaththi" is deemed as an action entertainer with Vijay and Samantha in the lead roles. Neil Nithin Mukesh plays the antagonist, while Sathish of "Ethir Neechal" fame will provide comic relief.

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