500 screens in Tamil Nadu to show Endhiran

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CHENNAI: Advance booking for the Rajinikanth-Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Endhiran' begins at 9 am on Saturday across the state, six days ahead of its release on October 1. The large-scale production by Sun Pictures at a cost of Rs120 crore, 'Enthiran' is Tamil cinema's costliest film will releae in 500 of around 1,300 theatres in the state.

"Distributors are looking at 500-550 theatres to release the film," Hansraj Saxena, CEO, Sun Pictures, told Express. With that, the film will have the widest release in the state, double that of Rajini's previous film, 'Sivaji The Boss', screened in 252 theatres. Kamal Haasan's 'Dasavathaaram' and Vijay's 'Suraa' was shown in 275 theatres. World over, 2,000 screens will show 'Endhiran', Saxena said, though some theatres are yet to give a confirmation.

In the city, the film will be released in more than 40 theatres, including multiple screens of most multiplexes. In Sathyam Cinemas (including Escape), there will be 24 shows of the film a day, while Mayajaal will screen the film 60 times daily, the highest ever for a single film at the multiplex.

Although individual collections of theatres may be affected due to 'Enthiran's record distribution, owners are happy. A Minimum Guarantee System, which requires theatre owners to pay to screen films, has mostly been done away with for 'Enthiran'.

"In 90 per cent of theatres, the film is being screened on a rental or percentage basis the collection will be shared by distributor and exhibitor, which augurs well for us," said Sridhar, TN Theatre Owners Association member.