Madras High Court Directs TN Government to Reconsider Leo’s Screening Timings Amidst High Anticipation
Madras High Court's directive to the TN government, urging them to carefully evaluate the request put forth by Seven Screen Studios for permitting Leo's screenings from 7 AM onwards.
Maheswara Rao Nadella | Published On: Oct, 17, 2023 | 04:05 PM
The much-anticipated release of Vijay‘s Leo has stirred significant excitement among eager fans, with reports initially suggesting the possibility of 4 AM show screenings. However, a recent report by The Hindu has shed light on the Madras High Court’s directive to the Tamil Nadu government, urging them to carefully evaluate the request put forth by Seven Screen Studios for permitting Leo’s screenings from 7 AM onwards.
The ongoing saga regarding the film’s screening timings has garnered attention, especially following the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to restrict showtimes between 9 AM and 1.30 AM, allowing for a maximum of five shows daily.
Justice Anita Sumanath’s recent intervention has prompted the TN Home (cinema) Department to convene discussions with the film’s producers and representatives of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association at 4 PM on Tuesday. This move aims to address the logistical challenges of accommodating five shows within the designated time frame, considering the necessary intervals and cleaning procedures. Notably, the judge refrained from issuing an immediate decision on the request to screen Leo from 4 AM, citing security concerns.
During the court proceedings, Senior Counsel Srinath Sridevan, representing Seven Screen Studios, highlighted the film’s runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes, emphasizing the impracticality of hosting five shows within the mandated 16 hours and 30 minutes. Factoring in essential intervals of 20 minutes and a 40-minute gap between consecutive screenings for theatre maintenance, the feasibility of the proposed schedule was brought into question.
In response to these concerns, the judge acknowledged the legitimate challenges raised and directed the government to swiftly devise a viable solution by Tuesday.
Leo, which marks the reunion of Vijay and acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj following the 2021 blockbuster Master, is set to grace screens in multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada on October 19. As anticipation continues to build, the ongoing discussions surrounding the film’s screening timings are indicative of the fervour surrounding its imminent release, underscoring the significant impact of Vijay’s cinematic ventures on the cultural landscape.
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