sabari release postponement dissapoints

By: Settu Shankar
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
It was a sad Friday for the ardent fans and party cadres of Captain. Yes... his latest and one of the most eagerly awaited films, sabari, could not be released as planned by the producer. The actual release schedule of the film was Pongal 2007 but the producer wanted to play it safe. So he withdrew sabari from the Pongal race after the confirmation of theaters where the movie was slated for release. Directed by Suresh, sabari is supposed to be different from the usual Vijayakanth film. He is acting as a doctor who fights against corruption in the world of medicine. According to the director, there are no 'wall-kick' fights, lengthy statistical mug-ups or so-called punch dialogues in the film. Vijayakanth also believes firmly that this film will be help him boost his political image even more.

Last week, the producer of the film met the press and confidently confirmed the release of the film. He said that all the problems have been solved and the coast has been cleared for the films release. There was widespread publicity metted out to the release of the film including the theaters and reservation details. Big banners were also put up in front of the theaters where the film was due for release. But at the the last minute, the film was not able to be screened in the theatres. Sources said that balance fee dues for the artists, lab problems and simlar financial problems stalled the release of the film. The distributors were also not happy with the price fixed for the film. Vijayakanth, however, clarified that there were no obstacles from his side.

Till the eleventh hour of Thursday, the President of Tamil Producers Council argued, and tried to reach a compromise. But he could not find a solution to the issue. Now, the release of sabari has been postponed with out a mention of the next possible date. Many of Captain's fans came and saw the mega size banners and cutouts of Vijayakanth helplessly. This is not the first time that the release of a Captain starring film has been postponed. His previous films Gajendira, Perarasu and Darmapuri also suffered the same problems. The release of Perarasu, produced by Kaja Maideen, was postponed more than 13 times and created a record of sorts! Though Vijayakanth is projecting him as a political leader and targets the CM's Chair, his inability in getting his own film released, is giving room to his political opponents in challenging his leadership abilities!