Rajinikanth's magnum opus "Kochadaiiyaan" (aka "Kochadaiyaan") has apparently backed out of the Pongal race.
Earlier, it was reported that "Kochadaiiyaan" will hit screens in January 2014. The film was expected to clash with Ajith's "Veeram" and Vijay's "Jilla", which are releasing for Pongal. Latest buzz is that the Rajini starrer might arrive in April 2014, during Tamil's New Year's Day.
Ever since "Kochadaiiyaan" went on floors, speculations about the film's release date have been on the rise. Recently, one of the film's producers confirmed that the audio launch of the epic drama will take place on Rajini's birthday. But it seems that the epic drama will get pushed to a release date in April.
Apparently, fans need to wait for over four months to see their thalaivar (Rajinikanth) on screen after a span of nearly four years. An exhibitor from Chennai told The Times of India, "All of us were hopeful that the film would come around Rajini sir's birthday. Then we were told that the film may release around Pongal. There are already two releases (of Vijay and Ajith) scheduled for this date. The latest we hear is that Rajini sir's film will come on Tamil New Year's day."
However, there is no official confirmation on the film's release date.
Directed by Soundarya Rajini, "Kochadaiiyaan" is deemed as one of the costliest films to be made in Tamil. It is reportedly made on a budget of more than ₹100 crore as it involves a lot of special effects. In a first, motion capturing technology has been used in an Indian film.
The magnum opus will have Rajinikanth playing a dual role. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is riding high with four back-to-back successful Hindi films, plays Rajini's love interest.
The film also boasts of an ensemble cast including Sarathkumar, Jackie Shroff, Shobana, Aadi, Nassar and Rukmini Vijayakumar.
The music of "Kochadaiiyaan" is composed by AR Rahman. The film's cinematography is handled by Rajiv Menon, while editing is done by Anthony. It is produced by Eros International along with Media One Global Entertainment.
