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No 4 am show for Vijay’s ‘Leo’ in Tamil Nadu: Madras High Court

However, the court directed the producers to approach the government with a fresh plea — screening the first show at 7 am instead of 9 am.

ByManigandan KR

Published Oct 17, 2023 | 1:40 PM ⚊UpdatedOct 17, 2023 | 2:16 PM

No 4 am show for Leo in Tamil Nadu. (X)

The Madras High Court on Tuesday, 17 October, refused to direct the Tamil Nadu government to permit the 4 am special shows of director Lokesh Kanakaraj’s Tamil film Leo featuring actor Vijay in the lead.

On Monday, 16 October, Leo producers Seven Screen Studios filed a petition in court, urging it to direct the Tamil Nadu government to permit them to screen an additional special show at 4 am on opening day — 19 October.

The petitioners also pleaded that permission be granted to screen the Vijay-starrer from 7 am on 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 October instead of the stipulated 9 am.

The petition was filed after the Tamil Nadu government, in an order, granted permission for one additional special show on six days —19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 October — in addition to the regular four shows. However, the government clarified that Leo‘s screenings could not begin before 9 am each day and that the final show must end before 1.30 am.

Justice Anita Sumanth, who heard the plea of Seven Screen Studio, did not pass orders on the plea for a special show at 4 am on 19 October and instead, directed the producers to approach the government with a fresh petition — about their other request about screening the first show at 7 am instead of the prescribed 9 am.

#MadrasHC says it can only direct the state to reconsider the show timing for #Leo movie. Says the court cannot direct to allow special shows or show timings. The power to permit is only with the State. pic.twitter.com/grKBjJyncx

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) October 17, 2023

The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to hold discussions with the producers and other stakeholders, including the representatives of theatre owner associations, and arrive at a decision on the issue by Tuesday itself.

Interestingly, Tamil Nadu permitted shows from 9 am, Pondicherry from 7 am, and Kerala from 4 am.

Even as indecision over the timing of the film’s first show in the state continued, another issue emerged with AGS Cinemas — one of the leading exhibitors — not opening their bookings for Leo.

We have not been able to open #Leo bookings because of terms issue with the distributor. We regret the inconvenience caused to all our regular patrons and thank you for waiting patiently. Will update if there are any developments by 6:00 pm today @agscinemas

— Archana Kalpathi (@archanakalpathi) October 17, 2023

Archana Kalpathi, Creative Producer of AGS Entertainments, took to platform X to explain why Leo did not open the bookings.

She wrote: “We have not been able to open #Leo bookings because of terms issue with the distributor. We regret the inconvenience caused to all our regular patrons and thank you for waiting patiently. Will update if there are any developments by 6:00 pm today.”