Release of Anupama Parameswaran's 'Lockdown' postponed yet again!
Chennai, Dec 11
The makers of director A R Jeeva's gripping drama, 'Lockdown', featuring actress Anupama Parameswaran in the lead, on Thursday announced that they had decided to postpone the release of the film "due to unforeseen circumstances".
Taking to its X timeline, Lyca Productions, the firm producing the picture, wrote, "#Lockdown has been postponed. The new release date will be shared soon. #LockdownInCinemasSoon" and shared a statement that read, "We understand the excitement and anticipation surrounding the film, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this change may cause for our audience, theatre partners, distributors, and the media."
The makers further said in the statement, "We are committed to ensuring that the film reaches you under the best possible conditions. We truly appreciate your patience, support, and understanding. The new release date will be announced soon."
This is the second time that the film is being postponed in two weeks.
The release of the film, which was originally scheduled to happen on December 5 this year, was postponed the first time due to incessant rains that continued to lash Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu as a result of the deep depression caused by the remnants of cyclone Ditwah, which wrecked havoc in neighbouring Sri Lanka.
Lyca Productions, while announcing its decision to postpone the release of the film then, had said, "With the ongoing rains, the release of #Lockdown has been postponed. Your safety comes first. We’ll meet you in theatres soon. #LockdownInCinemasSoon."
It also published a statement that read,"Due to the ongoing heavy rains and adverse weather conditions, the release of our film #Lockdown has been postponed. In light of the current challenges, we are delaying the release to prioritize the safety of our audience, theatre staff, and partners. Please stay safe and take necessary precautions. We look forward to welcoming you to cinemas soon to experience 'Lockdown' on the big screen."
However, once the rains receded, the makers, on December 8, announced a new release date and said the film would release on December 12. Now, they have again postponed the film's release citing "unforeseen circumstances."
The Censor Board has already cleared the film for release with a U/A certificate.
'Lockdown', a woman-centric film, has triggered huge expectations as it is based on a true story.
A trailer released by the makers begins with Anupama Parameswaran (who plays the character of Anitha in the film) expressing fear to go home. It is evident she has a problem about which she cannot speak to her family. To add to her complications, we see unwanted advances being made by men to her.
Under these circumstances, a 21-day nationwide lockdown is announced to check the spread of COVID forcing Anitha to stay home.
Anitha's behaviour causes her parents to worry. Her mom notices that she is constantly checking her phone and losing her temper. The trailer also goes on to show Anitha and her friend attempting to contact a doctor. However, he has been isolated because of contracting the virus.
The trailer also shows Anitha desperately calling all her friends to borrow cash. This makes her parents worried. They ask her why she is asking everyone for money.
The trailer ends with Anitha apologising to her dad, saying that she won't do it again.
Produced by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, the film will, apart from Anupama Parameswaran, also feature actors Charlie, Nirosha, Priya Venkat, Livingston, Indhumathi, Rajkumar, Shamji, Lollu Sabha Maran, Vinayak Raj, Vidhu, Abhirami, Ravathi, Sanjivie, Priya Ganesh and Asha among others.
Music for the film has been scored by the gifted NR Raghunanthan and Siddharth Vipin, while cinematography is by K.A. Sakthivel. The film has editing by V J Sabu Joseph and art direction by A Jayakumar.
Choreography for the film is by Sherif and Sri Girish while stunts have been choreographed by Om Sivaprakash. Costumes for the film have been designed by Meenakshi Shreedharan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The first postponement due to Chennai rains was understandable - safety first. But this second delay with no clear reason is frustrating. The makers should be more transparent with the audience.
Maybe there's some last-minute production issue or they're avoiding a clash with another big release? The film industry does this sometimes. Still, as a fan of woman-centric stories, I'm eagerly waiting! #Lockdown
Living in Chennai, I appreciate they postponed during the heavy rains. It was genuinely dangerous to go out. But now I hope they stick to the next date they announce. The plot sounds very relevant to what many women experienced during actual lockdown.
Lyca Productions usually delivers quality content. Let's give them the benefit of doubt. Perhaps they want to ensure perfect technical finishing or are planning a better marketing push. Anupama deserves a grand release for her Tamil lead debut.
The trailer gave me chills. A story about a woman trapped at home during lockdown with a secret problem... it's so real. These delays are testing our patience, but good cinema is worth the wait. Hope it releases before Pongal!
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