Uncertainty looms over 'Mersal'

Uncertainty looms large over the Diwali release of Vijay-starrer "Mersal", reports DHNS from Chennai.

The movie is yet to get the censor certificate from the regional censor board, which is demanding no objection certificate from the Animal Welfare Board (AWBI).

With barely a couple of days to go for the release, Vijay met Chief Minister K Palaniswami and discussed the issue.

As confusion still prevails over the release, theatres have yet to begin advance bookings.

A source in AWBI told DH that the filmmakers have used many animals and they have not obtained permission from the board for a particular shoot that was held here recently.

"They have used macaque, cockatoos, pigeons and snakes during the last stage of the shooting for which they have not obtained permission from us," an AWBI office-bearer said.

The movie just passed a hurdle with the Madras High Court dismissing an appeal filed by a producer against its release.