In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming release of Vijay’s highly anticipated film, “Leo,” has been marred by controversy, leading to significant repercussions in Tamil Nadu. A recent incident involving the actor’s ardent fans and government decisions has prompted theater owners to ban teaser and trailer celebrations inside movie theaters.
The controversy erupted after a group of Vijay’s fans wreaked havoc during the screening of the “Leo” trailer at a theater in Chennai, tearing seat covers and dismantling seats. This incident left theater owners and authorities with no choice but to take stringent measures to prevent further disturbances.
Film trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan shared pictures of the damaged theater, stating, “Rohini Cinemas completely thrashed by Joseph Vijay fans after #LeoTrailer screening.” In response to these actions, the President of Theater Owners Association announced, “We have decided not to release any more trailers in theaters.” This marks a significant shift in the way promotional content is shared with audiences in theaters.
Moreover, the government’s response to these incidents has been equally drastic. In addition to the trailer ban, the Tamil Nadu government has denied requests for early morning showings of “Leo.” Initially, Seven Screen Studios Production sought permission for a 4 am screening on the first day of the film’s release. However, this request was not granted by Justice Anita Sumanth of the Madras High Court.
Additionally, the government had been requested to reconsider their decision regarding 7 am shows for the film. Despite the court’s direction to review this decision, the government has upheld its stance. Consequently, “Leo” will now only be screened in theaters starting at 9 am on October 19, the film’s scheduled release date.
“Leo,” directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has been one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. The movie not only marks a reunion between Vijay and Trisha Krishnan but also features Sanjay Dutt in a significant role. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the film’s release have only grown due to these recent developments, as fans and cinephiles prepare for a unique movie-watching experience.
In the midst of this controversy, the fate of “Leo” hangs in the balance. With trailer celebrations banned and early morning showings denied, the film’s success now rests on its release date, where it will finally be unveiled to eager audiences on October 19.
Sources By Agencies
