Tamil version of 'Madras Cafe' to release with U/A rating

The Tamil version of John Abraham-starrer "Madras Cafe" was Thursday granted a U/A certificate for release in Tamil Nadu by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). No cuts have been made and the film will open in theatres as scheduled Friday, said a source.

"'Madras Cafe' got U/A certificate for Tamil version without any cut. Movie is releasing tomorrow (Friday) in Tamil also," said a source.

Confirming the same, a representative of the movie's co-producers Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said: "The Tamil version of 'Madras Cafe' has been passed with U/A certificate with no cuts. We have also sought police protection to ensure a smooth release of the film."

The Hindi version of the movie also releases Friday.

As on Wednesday, a Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had observed that the Tamil version should not be released without an appropriate certificate, and the case was posted to Sep 3.

Petitioner B. Stalin, an advocate, had filed a PIL seeking a ban on the film, alleging that it contained "objectionable content" and might lead to law and problems if released.

The film, co-produced by John, who is also playing the lead in it, came under the scanner after Tamil activists alleged that it portrays the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres as terrorists.

After attending a special preview of the Shoojit Sircar-directed film Sunday, the objection against the film by the groups grew stronger.

Tamil filmmaker Seeman, head of Naam Tamizhar (We Tamils) group, said the film was "nauseatingly anti-Tamil".

In a related development, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit chief Pon Radhakrishnan said the movie should not be released in any part of the country.

Also featuring Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna, Ajay Rathnam and Leena Maria Paul, "Madras Cafe" is a fictional story inspired by true events.

It is set against the Sri Lankan civil war and also depicts the 1991 assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.