Every other week, it seems, a Tamil film faces delays in its release schedule. This trend has been occurring frequently in the industry since 2018. Various reasons contribute to these delays, such as financial disputes and changes in the screenplay even after a significant portion of the film has been shot.
Often, just four days before the scheduled release date, some filmmakers are still unsure whether their movie will make it to the theaters. This uncertainty has become a common occurrence in Tamil cinema over the past couple of years. Many delayed releases eventually reach the theaters, but the process can be unpredictable and frustrating for both filmmakers and audiences.
One actor remarked that delays are a widespread issue in the industry and are often beyond their control. They cited the pandemic as one of the initial obstacles the industry faced. Additionally, filmmakers have developed a habit of announcing the month of their movie’s release rather than the specific date. This uncertainty stems from factors such as budget allocations, profit shares, and theater management issues.
This problem predominantly affects big-budget Tamil films, causing challenges for both local and overseas distributors. Another concerning trend is Tamil directors undertaking re-recording sessions after completing the censor procedures. This practice further contributes to delays and complicates the release process.
Some Tamil directors take two to four years to complete a typical commercial masala movie, often citing time management issues. While acclaimed directors aim for perfection in their film’s output, excessive reshoots and retakes without a solid story foundation waste the producer’s money and the actor’s time.
Indian 2 and Vettaiyan Release Date
A prominent example of mismanagement is the film Indian 2, directed by Shankar, which has been shelved for years due to production house mismanagement and lack of discipline among the cast. Despite numerous postponements, the makers of Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, have not announced a release date, opting instead to reveal only the month of release. Similarly, the film Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth, has followed suit by announcing the release month but not the specific date.
There is speculation that Rajinikanth‘s Vettaiyan may aim for a Dussehra release, targeting the long weekend in October. With a four-day holiday, this timing could be advantageous for maximizing box office returns.