Amid immense anticipation from fans of Tamil actor Vijay, the Madras High Court on Tuesday refrained from passing an order on Leo producer's plea to allow special morning shows for the film in Tamil Nadu.
The Vijay-starrer, set to hit the big screens on October 19, will not have 4am shows as the state government denied permission for shows earlier than 9am.
Seven Screen Studios had moved the HC, requesting permission for five screenings of Leo, from 7am, between October 19 and 24. The HC, however, directed the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its decision. The film's makers and representatives of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Association will once again meet government officials on Tuesday, seeking permission for the special shows, Times of India reported.
According to a report by The Hindu, Justice Anita Sumanath also directed the cinema department to hold a discussion with producers and take an appropriate decision. The decisions need to be taken by end of Tuesday itself as hundreds of tickets have already been sold in advance bookings. In case of fresh shows, ticket bookings will need to commence at the earliest.
State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohamed Jinnah had vehemently objected to the early morning screenings citing security issues. In recent times, multiple incidents of violence have been reported during early shows and fan screenings of movies headlined by Tamil superstars. There are also allegations of tickets being sold at exorbitant rates.
In January, the state government initiated action against theatre owners who violated prohibitory orders and conducted early morning screenings for Ajith-starrer Thunivu and Vijay's Varisu.
Leo, a gangster drama helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, features an ensemble cast including Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun, Priya Anand, Mysskin and Gautham Menon among others.
Also Read: Is Vijay's 'Leo' part of LCU? Lokesh Kanagaraj breaks silence