a recap of Mr Murali old post
Yesterday the 10th June, Sunday I had been to Abhirami Mall in the evening. Intention was to see the response for Vasantha Maaligai which had been screened there (Annai Abhirami).
It was about 5.30 pm when I reached there. On entering the complex, on the right side I found a big crowd gathered there. They were standing below a big board which was having the banners/posters of the four films that are being screened there. In the bottom row there was the poster of VM. It had three different NT stills. I also saw some 4,5 people climbing up the wall and after going up, they took up positions and then a flurry of garlands were attached to the poster covering NT's head. After finishing the flower and lemon garlanding, they moved on to the next ritual.
Somebody transported a vessel from the crowd to the persons
standing up and with the help of a mug, Palabhisekam was started. They were pouring milk all over the poster and by this time a group of persons had moved over to the main road and a 1000 walah cracker was lighted and it started expoding with a thunderous sound. Crackers after crackers were burst which brought Police to the spot. A Sub- Inspector asked the people not to disturb the traffic. But the merry continued.
Seeing all the happenings, the SI was amused and he casually floated a question " Ippo kudava Sivaji mela ivvalavu veriyaga irunganga" for which the fans took offence "Sir enga uyir irukiravaraikkum ippadithan iruppom".
A steady stream of people were joining and the slogan shouting like Nadigar Thilagam , Singa Thamizhan, Chevaliae Vaazgha was renting the air. People who had come to the Mall for other movies or for fun world were finding this more interesting.
One group of persons were issuing a notice which chronicled the mega success of VM when it was released first, details of which I am adding at the bottom. Another person was distributing a leaflet informing about the NT website and I immediately asked him " Are you Mr.Raghavendran?" and I got an affirmative answer. After that I had a long conversation with him which ranged from the films to the politics practised by NT and it goes without saying that it was interesting. He also informed me that he had enrolled himself in our hub and had started posting.
By this time, yours truly who had no intention to watch the movie but just went there to see the atmosphere had a change of heart as the mood was upbeat among the gathering and it was irresistable. So I went to the counter and checked up for tickets. It was a pleasant surprise that VM was full before the other three theatres could get filled up. I could procure a ticket for my self and walked in.
I will post the theatre happenings seperately. As for as the notice about VM was concerned, other than giving the basic details of the film, it also listed the centres where VM had celebrated runs.
1. Chennai - Shanthi -176 Days
2. Chennai - Crown - 140 Days
3. Chennai - Bhuvaneswari - 140 Days
4. Madurai - New Cinema- 200 Days
5. Tiruchy - Raja - 140 Days
6. Coimbatore - Raja -107 Days
7.Salem - Jaya - 107 Days
8. Erode -Muthukumar - 107 Days
9. Thanjai - Jupiter - 119 Days
10. Kudandhai - Noor Mahal- 101 Days
11. Mayiladuthurai - Alagappa - 101 Days
12. Colombo - Capitol - 287 Days
13. Jaffna - Wellignton - 217 Days.
Such was the power of VM.