Mar 31, 2026 2:51pm IST
‘LIK’, ‘Kaalidas 2’ and ‘Leader’: Release Date Changes Leave Kollywood Unsettled Again
The year began with a colossal disappointment for Kollywood as the much-hyped "Jana Nayagan" got indefinitely postponed. But the unexpected success of a few small movies left exhibitors, distributors, and producers elated. With a few big-ticket films set to hit the screens in a couple of months, the industry is pinning high hopes on their box office verdict.
Having said that, the constant shuffle in the release date of films continues. The latest to join the bandwagon are "LIK", "Kaalidas 2" and "Leader". While “LIK,” which was initially set to arrive on April 3, got postponed to April 10, "Kaalidas 2" and "Leader", which were supposed to be released in the second week of the month, got preponed to April 3.
Leading exhibitor Rakesh Gowthaman says that it's high time the industry comes together and sorts out such issues. He says, "There were speculations about "Jana Nayagan" arriving towards the end of January or February, leaving makers of small films confused. They couldn't plan a release date because of the uncertainty. Big films should come up with their plans at least three months in advance to help small films plan accordingly. A film like "LIK" that carries good hype should have announced a date only after every deal was closed. Last-minute changes spoil promotional strategies of actors and filmmakers."
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However, Bharath, who headlines "Kaalidas 2", is confident that the change in release date hasn't deterred the film's prospects. He says, "As soon as we got to know that "LIK" is coming on April 10, we preponed our movie and planned promotional activities accordingly. We are quite confident and are leaving no stone unturned to make the movie reach a wider audience."
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election is slated to happen on April 23. Has this played a role in filmmakers and producers opting for a last-minute change in the release date? Producer Dhananjayan Govind notes that April 3 and April 10 are good dates that allow two or three weeks of good occupancy at the box office before election mania sweeps the state. "These days, a lot of factors are considered before the release date is finalized. A slight change in a financial deal could also force makers to postpone at the last minute. All said and done, nothing can stop a film if it has solid content," he opines.
Rakesh points out that the popular notion of an election affecting a film's theatrical run is absurd. He says, "I have never understood the logic behind it. Youngsters and family audiences constitute most of the viewers in theatres. Their presence will remain intact amid the election buzz."
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