CHENNAI: Even after the major financial worries were ironed out in an intense meeting that ended well after midnight, two things are standing in the way between Uttama Villain releasing in theatres for the special morning shows on Saturday - Gemini DI, the lab that handled VFX for Uttama Villain is yet to give the clearance certificate because of minor dues and the trimmed version of the film (2.51 hours to 2.30 hours) needs to be recensored quickly.
Qube Cinemas, the digital projection firm that is handling UV's release, confirmed that the main clearance had come - but these two things were still holding them back, "Yesterday was a censor holiday so they will need to get that done today. Once it comes in, we will send a tiny digitally signed file that defines the film, which will reach theatres in minutes over satellite. Only the new screens where the film has to be loaded from scratch will take time," said a source. Over 184 theatres had asked for the film to be locked and loaded by Wednesday, but were unable to release it because the digital keys had been held back by the financier.
Gemini DI confirmed that some minor dues needed to be paid, but Thirrupathi Brothers and Studio Green (distributors) had assured them that it would be transferred before 9 am. This is why the special morning shows are unlikely to be shown. Though nobody can say for sure, trade estimates say that the film lost out on a box office taking of nearly Rs 8.5 crore because of the delay in release, "Unlike Lingaa, it was sold at a very low price and only a few screens had picked it up," confirmed an exhibitor in Salem.
After the much-hyped film starring Kamal, Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar and K Balachander in a final performance failed to release yesterday, fans have been anxious to figure out whether it would happen on Saturday. "All the issues were sorted out by 2 am. Kamal sir arrived from Dubai only at 10 pm but everybody waited and had a round of discussions though they were tired and whatever financial worries they had have now been set to rest. The movie will release at noon across Tamil Nadu and other places," said Kamal's representative.