For a while now, Vijay's Master and Simbu's Eeswaran have been the Pongal hopefuls, expected to bring back the movie theater crowd and revive the theater industry in Tamil Nadu, that has dwindled since the pandemic hit.  Master and Eeswaran are releasing one day apart on January 13, 2021 and January 14, 2021 respectively and even with separate target audience, the fan-wars seemed inevitable.

In the hopes of putting an end to it and more, actor Simbu has come up with a public note regarding the box-office clash and has urged the Tamil movie audience to collectively help Kollywood thrive. Full English translation of his two-page press-release here:  

 

"My love and wishes for movie-buffs and Tamil people who have begun their happy new year.

 

"Eeswaran" is set to come out on Pongal day. More importantly, this film was made in a very short time in order to revive the theater business.

 

The whole of film industry has been curtailed. Even if the online platforms are keeping it afloat, movie theaters must wear the signs of festivity.

 

It is not an ordinary feat to take utmost efforts even in this Corona time, pledge life and act and complete all technical work and dubbing for this.

 

I am obliged to thank each and everyone who has worked for the same.

 

At the same time, brother Vijay has been determined on releasing his movie Master in theaters, even after 1 year of completion of his film. That is a sign of respect to the medium that created me. 

 

I wish to do my part in that as well. We were created because of movie theaters. We grew because people got to see us and celebrate us on the big screens.

 

If he had wanted to, he could have released Master online. But he patiently waited just so movie theaters could see a new dawn.

 

There are always two big movies releases during festival times. When there is a variety of movie releases, people will walk into a theater without any hestitation.

 

Watch Master my fans. Fans of Vijay brother, watch Eeswaran.

 

Let the cinema halls fill. We, who have fought Corona and life should relieve ourselves of the mental stress. These movies will help you in that. You will feel happy.

 

Distributors, exhibitors, technicians should all get back on their feet well. 

 

Film industry should thrive.

 

I believe Master and Eeswaran will open the doors for that.

 

The government has fully re-opened shops, malls and beaches.

 

Unless and otherwise movie theaters are opened at full capacity the old state will not be reinstated.

 

Only collection losses will happen. I request the government to kindly consider allowing a 100% theater occupancy with stricter safety protocols and secure the livelihood of movie theater owners and cinema workers. We will all be indebted if the honourable Chief Minister soon releases an order regarding the 100% theater occupancy.

 

Thank You.

 

#SpreadLove"