Multiplexes and single-screen theatres across the State are looking to make a killing this Deepavali with Ajith’s Arrambam. Armed with loads of hype and a huge cast that includes Nayanthara, Arya, Rana Daggubati and Taapsee Pannu, quite a few multiplexes in the city have planned to pull out all other movies to accomodate Arrambam, from October 31. Ironically, theatre owners do not seem particularly worried that it may be an overkill because the shows are already sold out.
Sample a few of these numbers on theatre websites – Abirami Cinemas has listed as many as 16 shows daily, while the AGS group (with two multiplexes in Navalur and Villivakkam) has listed a whopping 36 shows a day. With multiplexes going all out to cash in on the surge following an Ajith release, single screens will not think twice about following suit. Even theatres like Woodlands and Rohini have opted to screen Arrambam on extra screens at least over the weekend. And needless to say, all show timings are highlighted in red, indicating that they’re SOLD OUT.
There have also been rumours flying around about special shows being screened from 5 am onward, but the distributors are mum on that front, “Technically it is against the rules, but we have heard that the distributors tried to speak with the authorities to see if they could allow special screenings on the days leading up to Deepavali (November 2) alone. We are hoping it will fall through,” said a source at the Film Chamber.
What is astonishing is that all this hype has developed despite the damp squib that Ajith’s last release – Billa II, turned out to be. “Thala works magic only during Deepavali. It worked for Attakasam and Mankatha and it will work for Arrambam too,” said Mani Vasagam, the moderator of an online fan community for Ajith.
Another major reason for the hype is because the actor, popularly called Thala by his fans, is teaming up with filmmaker Vishnuvardhan again – the man who resurrected his flagging career with the slickly rebooted Billa (2007). With brisk booking in the UK, US and Middle East, the distributors have indicated that Arrambam is slated to release on 700+ screens in the South. Trade analysts have remained cautious and said that anything over 450-500 screens could not be possible in a State that has only 976 theatres.
Though Vishal’s Paandiyanaadu and Karthi’s All in All Azhagu Raja are believed to be in the Deepavali fray alongside Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 3, it looks like theatres this weekend have been taken over by Thala fans.
Read More: Ajith's Aarambam starts on wrong foot
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