UlagaNayagan KAMALHAASAN in ||"PAPANASAM"|| Directed by Jeethu Joseph

[kumarsr]

I feel mostly the analysis above is incorrect.

It is true that details are very murky with so many players -- multiple layers of distributors and middle men along with theatre owners. Also it may not be fair to expect every piece of financial detail to be reveled to the fans/public. Kamal promising to do a 30 Cr film (it was initially stated in the press as a verbal promise but recently was reported as a written commitment) could have been made to ensure UV releases. It may have been the case (due to Lingu's reckless dealings including double selling -- exactly what is said about Lingaa (the law suit now in court)). But in order to get UV released, Kamal may have been the only person who could help -- and so, he might have offered a commitment in in the interest of UV release.

There was frustration expressed (even in this very forum from people who claimed that they they were hard core fans) that KH is not mentioning the correct release date when it was getting repeatedly delayed. Actually, I believe KH was himself very frustrated but he had no control over it. The players were Lingusamy, Eros and others. VR was different - the problems were from multiple angles and political which had to be dealt with in a public way to mobilize public and fans in his favor. So that is why KH had to come out in public. He was the producer after all and not just on a first copy basis.

Overall, movie making is a very difficult process in India even for big stars. Add to that, the result of a movie is very unpredictable and impacts the next movie (possibly even subsequent movies) in a big way. So fans have to be understanding. In this climate, it is very easy to settle for a very predictable, mass masala movie where box office results have better odds (still no guarantees even with those also, Lingaa, Anjaan, Jilla etc. etc.). So in this environment, Kamal is the ONLY guy who is able to stand up and does films his way with themes he likes to make and not what buyers demand. That takes courage and conviction !