The Tamil Nadu government has granted permission for special screenings of actor Vijay’s Leo, which is releasing on October 19. Along with Vijay, the film has a huge star cast including Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun, Mysskin, and others. In a government order (GO) issued on Wednesday, October 10, the state has allowed theatres to screen the movie at 4 am and 7 am on the day of its release. Theatres are allowed to screen the movie at 7 am from October 20 to 24, as per the GO.
This decision came after the producer of the film, Seven Screen Studio, had written to the government seeking permission to screen special shows in light of the puja holidays in the state. The Commissioner of Revenue Administration, SK Prabakar, was consulted on this matter and he said that the state government has to take a decision on this. Prabakar further said that if there are special shows, proper arrangements must be made with the police department to avoid mishaps.
The GO also said that the government can make a call in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957 after making sure proper security arrangements are in place. It added that the state has decided to give permission “after careful consideration” for five shows to be screened from October 19 to 24.
Leo is one of the first big star movies to have been granted permission to screen early morning shows this year. Rajinikanth’s Jailer, which was directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, released in September this year and theatres did not have early morning shows. Similarly, Thunivu and Varisu, the Ajith and Vijay movies that were released in January, did not have permission for early morning shows. It is believed that the DMK government made an exception to Vijay’s film, considering the angst of his fans, who are already disappointed over the film’s audio launch being cancelled. Fans of the actor believe that the Stalin-led government denied permission for the audio launch of the film.
Read: Rajinikanth’s Jailer won’t have early morning shows in TN. Here’s why