Madras Cafe’s release stalled in Tamil Nadu today

John Abraham's Madras Cafe, which is getting released today across India, has faced series of protests from students and political groups in Tamil Nadu as they are dead against the content of the film, which according to the protesters, is allegedly portraying LTTE activities with negativity. Consequently a committee of exhibitors announced that Madras Cafe will not hit Tamil Nadu theatres today.

A spokesperson of the Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association declared in a brief, "The film will not be released in Tamil Nadu.” The decision has been taken in sync with the protests from the pro-Tamil groups and political parties, including BJP, against the film. In the controversial film, set during the war between Sri Lanka government and LTTE in the late 80s and early 90s, John is playing an Indian intelligence agent employed in the island.

A resolute John has refused to delete any scene from the film as it has been cleared by the Censor Board. The hindrance to the release of the film was well-speculated as advance booking in Tamil Nadu theatres was not at all entertained for Madras Cafe. This is the second film in the last few days which has faced public fury after the Vijay starrer Thalaivaa which was also not allowed to be screened on the scheduled date following threats by some groups. Earlier this year, Kamal Haasan's Vishwaroopam too went through the same rough phase after Muslim organisations raised objections to the film.