Fans snap up tickets for blockbusters

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News: "Superstar Rajnikant is back after a gap of three years. Kamal Haasan's laugh riot `Mumbai Express' will be released on the same day. Vijay's `Sachien' comes close on the heels of his last three hits `Gilli,' `Madurae' and `Tirupaachi.'

Muni Kanaiya, Sathyam multiplex manager, says the cinema has already sold 18,000 tickets for `Mumbai Express' (playing at Sathyam), since the booking counter opened today, and had closed counters for `Chandramukhi' (playing at Santham) after 22,000 tickets were sold for the first 10 days.

"The booking is full for four days for `Mumbai Express.' The rates of admission have been increased to Rs.80, Rs.70 and Rs.60 at Sathyam. The tickets at Santham are now Rs.90 and Rs.70," he adds. Tickets for `Sachien' too, have been sold out, in advance, for a week. `Chandramukhi' will be screened in eight city theatres — four shows a day and two shows a day at Subham. Kamal Haasan's film will be shown in nine theatres — four shows a day and two shows at Prarthana, and `Sachien' will play in six theatres — four shows a day — and three shows in Kamala.

With the government allowing an extra show on holidays, all theatres will have an extra morning show on April 14, 16, and 17. `Sathya Jothi' Thyagarajan, Tamil Film Producers Council president said that the official crackdown against video piracy is one of the reasons that three of the big stars of the Tamil film industry are coming out with their films simultaneously.

Promotional teasers have further hyped up `Chandramukhi,' which marks the 50th year for Sivaji productions. It is also director P. Vasu's 50th film.

Actor Parthiban, who has seen "Mumbai Express," says that it has all the ingredients for a hit and plenty of comedy. "It is a high class comedy. If only Dr. Ramadoss and Mr. Thirumavalavan see the film, they will forget about the name and laugh to their heart's content. I have today sent a letter to both of them asking them to see it."

Vijay has said that his latest is a love story with a difference. "I do not want to be stereo-typed with action films. So I wanted to do a love story. That was the time Johan came to me with `Sachien,' I immediately agreed."