Vishwaroopam row: Tamil version’s loss, Hindi version’s gain

While megastar Kamal Haasan has reportedly lost Rs. 60 crore due to ban on the release of his magnum opusVishwaroopamin Tamil Nadu following protests by some Muslim organizations, the same controversy is pulling audiences in North India to the cinema halls to watch the Hindi version of the movie that released yesterday.

Talking about the loss actor-producer-director ofVishwaroopam, Kamal Haasan, said, "The film is made on a budget of Rs 95 crore. Due to the delay in the release of film, I have suffered a loss of Rs 30 to 60 crore". The superstar further said, "This film is really important for me.Maine apna sab daav pe lagaya hai(I have pledged everything for this movie...)".

In the meantime the Hindi version of the film,Vishwaroopreceived very good opening in the Northern region due to the curiosity created among audiences from the controversy. DT cinemas spokesperson Anant Verma said, "The film has generated quite a lot of hype and the controversy seems to have turned out to be a positive publicity here. The occupancy rates were about 60 to 70 per cent today across DT Cinemas and we expect it to go up to 100 per cent over the weekend. He added, "I have heard of some problems in UP, but in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab shows have been conducted peacefully".

Agreeing with him, PVR Pictures President Kamal Gianchandani said, "The movie has done exceptionally well with occupancy of 80 per cent plus in south zone and 50 per cent in north zone respectively and we are expecting it to rise further in the coming weekend. As far as the advance booking is concerned, it is expected to rise in the coming weeks especially over the weekends".