"Uttama Villain" finally hits screens

Chennai: Overcoming financial disputes that threatened the release of "Uttama Villain", the Kamal Haasan starrer finally hit the silver screens today following hectic parleys involving different associations of Tamil cinema industry.

Discussions involving the Tamil Film Producers' Council, South Indian Artistes' Association and a director's body for nearly 25 hours ensured that the fans finally got to catch a glimpse of Haasan who came out with a movie after two years.

While his earlier film "Vishwaroopam" faced threats from Muslims opposed to portrayal of their community in the thriller, opposition from VHP and financial disputes threatened to derail his latest release.

It got some relief when a court here declined to stay the film on VHP's plea that it hurt Hindu sentiments but 11th hour pre-release financial dispute threw up a roadblock to the Ramesh Aravind-directed film.

SIAA President R Sarathkumar later told reporters that theatres have been directed to screen the movie and it will be released in 400 screens across the state.

"We as a family sat together and held discussions to ensure that all ended well. I thank the co-operation extended by producer KE Gnanavelraja, Madurai Anbu (financier) and Kamal Haasan's brother Chandra Haasan. They went out of their way to put an end to the whole issue," he said. He denied speculations that there was political interference against the film's release.

Director N Lingusamy, who had produced the film under the 'Tirupathi Brothers' banner, apologised for the delay in the release of the movie. With reports emanating that the movie finally cleared all the hurdles, fans started pouring into theatres with smiles and relief on their faces.

Social networking sites were abuzz with the release of the movie, with scores of persons on Facebook and Twitter welcoming it. "Uttama Villain" stars among others, Hassan's mentor and veteran director K Balachander, Andrea, Pooja Kumar and Urvasi, Gibran has scored the music.