: Uncertainly loomed over the scheduled release of controversial Bollywood film 'Madras Cafe' tomorrow in Tamil Nadu, as cine hall owners were skeptical of screening the John Abraham starrer, following continued protests from students and political parties on the ground that it portrayed the outlawed LTTE in bad light.
Prominent cinema halls here have not started reservation of tickets for the film, scheduled for a nationwide release tomorrow.
A cinema hall owner said though no collective decision was taken on the issue, each hall owner would decide,depending on the factors concerning their halls. He indicated that not all cinema halls would release the film.
Also Read
Student organisations staged a protest today too against release of the film, alleging that it distorts facts.
John Abraham had in a statement in Mumbai yesterday, said, "I would like to urge all of Chennai to support Madras Cafe as a film and allow it to release (as per the schedule). It is a credible film made with a lot of heart and gives audiences something novel to be entertained about, vouching and encouraging cinema."
BJP had demanded that the film not be screened anywhere in India. It also further asked Congress to respond to "opinions" that the film had its backing and sought a national ban against it, warning of "unwanted consequences" subsequent to its release.
The spy thriller "demeaned" Tamils by portraying them as terrorists while supporting Sri Lanka, BJP's state unit president Pon Radhakrishnan said.
Abraham's second production venture, 'Madras Cafe' had courted controversy with pro-Tamil groups up in arms for its depiction of outlawed LTTE allegedly in negative light.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi had urged the state government to ascertain if such charges were true and take appropriate action.
MDMK chief Vaiko and Naam Thamizhar Katchi leader Seeman have already sought a ban on the film, starring Abraham as an Indian intelligence agent in Sri Lanka during the civil war between government and LTTE in late 80s and early 90s.
Naam Thamizhar Katchi had in July given a complaint to police, demanding that the film not be released in the state, citing possible law and order problems.
John Abraham has refused to delete any scene from 'Madras Cafe,' wondering why anyone had a problem with the film when the Censor Board had cleared it.
