Kamal fans throng theatres as 'Vishwaroopam' hits screens

Actors cut-out adorned with 84-foot garland worth Rs 40,000

As soon as the news regarding Vishwaroopam movie release in the City spread, fans started gathering near theatres and their numbers ballooned soon.

At Nataraj theatre near Swastik Circle, the main theatre for Tamil movie releases, it was no less than a festive mood. Garlands and decorations for Kamal Haasan posters were done on a grand scale.

Santosh, a resident of Srirampura came with a garland whose length extended up to the height of the three-tiered theatre itself. “It’s a much awaited movie and we wish a grand success. No controversy can stop the success of Kamal,” he said. The 84-foot garland cost Rs 40,000, said a fan.

The theatre management delayed the evening show so that more fans could get in. By the time show started at 7.45 PM, there was competition for tickets. A balcony ticket, priced Rs 80, was sold at Rs 120 to 250 in black market. Women returned home as they got scared of the milling crowd.

“I will book tickets for day after tommorrow evening,” said Lavanya Ramani, a resident of Muneshwara block.

At Cauvery theatre, on along Bellary Road, the crowd was moderate for the 6 pm show. However, tickets were being sold at a brisk pace for 9.30 show. “We are expecting a good collection through the week. Many people are coming straight to the theatre after finishing their work,” said a staffer.

Paramesh K, IT employee, said he took special permission from work to watch the movie with friends. At few theatres, policemen were deployed to avoid untoward incidents. Similar scenes were also witnessed at Rockline Cinemas along Tumkur Road and Anjan Theatre along Magadi Road.

Urvashi  Theatre released the movie with four shows on Tuesday after manager Satish Babu received the order from City police. Three Hoysala vans were parked in the vicinity to protect audience from possible violence. Satish Babu said “I am not expecting any violence, security is just placed here as precautionary step to avoid any unfortunate incident.”

Unaware of religious bias

The crowd was unaware of any religious bias present in the movie and people just arrived to be transported to another dimension. The whistles, hooting and cheers filled the air with excitement as the opening scene was revealed.
Suraj, a student said, “I have no idea about the controversies surrounding the movie and I am just here to have a good time.”

Poornima, a housewive  said, “I just came to witness Kamal Haasan’s magic unfold and I have no clue about the offensive content in the movie.”
People were seen rushing into the theatre at the final moment and leaving in disappointment to a nearby theatre as it was housefull.