At a time when 10 days of keeping a film in theatres is considered an achievement, the overwhelming trade response for the digitally restored version of MGR’s Aayirathil Oruvan has overjoyed its makers. Coming 49 years after its original release, the superhit film starring MGR, Jayalalithaa and Nambiar will open on close to 120 screens across the State, according to G Chokkalingam, of Divya Films, the firm that bought the original film and restored it digitally.
“Initially we were hoping that it may release on close to a 100 screens, but as I toured Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Madurai and Chennai, all the cities asked for more prints as theatre owners are
keen to exhibit the film,” he said happily. Appreciating the re-release of Aayirathil Oruvan, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa sent a letter of appreciation to Divya Films, hailing it as more than just an entertainer, but a “life lesson that transcends generations”.