With Vijay's Theri fever in Kerala, Mammootty's White and other Vishu releases stand postponed

Vishu is one of the biggest release seasons for Malayalam film makers. In fact, the previous two years' Vishu releases, Mammootty starrer Bhaskar The Rascal in 2015 and Dileep starrer Ring Master in 2014 proved to be super hits at the Box Office.

Malayalam cinema lovers were expecting three Vishu releases this season with Mammootty - Huma Qureshi starrer White, Jayaram - Ramya Krishnan starrer Aadupuliyattam and Kunchako Boban - Shamili starrer Valliyum Thetti Pulliyum Thetti. These three films were expected to hit the screens on 14 April, 2016, as Vishu releases.

However, none of these are releasing during Vishu now as the films have been postponed. For instance, Mammootty starrer White is reportedly postponed due to a delay in post production works.

As per the latest update, the main reason for film makers to postpone their Vishu releases is the release of Vijay's Theri. The much-anticipated Tamil film of the year is slated for a 14 April release. Reports add that Theri is releasing in Kerala on more than 200 plus screens, which clearly means that Malayalam film makers may not get good screens in the state.

It is a widely known fact that Tamil superstar Vijay has a huge fan following in Kerala amongst the current crop of non-Malayalam actors. Most of his films ensure a bumper opening in the state and his 2012 blockbuster, Thuppakki was the highest grossing non-Malayalam film in Kerala. His previous film with Mohanlal in 2014, Jilla, was also a massive hit at the Kerala Box Office. In fact, the actor's last film, Puli, which was declared a flop, opened to massive response here as well. Moreover Vijay's character in Theri, Joseph Kuruvilla, belongs to Kerala. Around 40 per cent of the film has been shot in Kerala and the movie has quite a few Malayalam dialogues.

Craze for the Ilayathalapathy starrer has reached an all-time high in Kerala. The theatrical rights of the film have been sold for a record-breaking price of Rs 5.60 crore to Friday Film House and Carnival Motion Pictures, two of the biggest distributors in Kerala.

Looks like another blockbuster is on the way for Ilayathalapathy in God's Own Country, Kerala.

-- Sree Prasad Nair