A fan came with his face brightly painted like Kamal Haasan's masked face in the movie.
Scores of disappointed fans crowded around theatres in Tamil Nadu on Friday as actor Kamal Haasan's new film
Uttama Villain was not released as expected.
Theatre owners cancelled the morning show over what they called "financial issues between producers and financiers."
Fans showed up early at theatres, where giant cut-outs of Kamal Haasan announced the release of the much-anticipated film.
"We have been waiting since 7.30 am without coffee, without food. We are very upset that people abroad are getting to watch the film and not us," said a young man. Another man had come with his face brightly painted like Kamal Haasan's masked face in the movie.
The film has been screened abroad.
Sources close to Kamal Haasan's team said, "The producer owes 29 crore rupees to the financiers and the film can't be released if there are outstanding payments."
They said the screenings will begin as soon as it is all sorted out.
"We hope it's sorted by noon so we could screen the film," said a senior member of the Tamil Nadu theatre owners association. (Also Read:
Uttama Villain Producers to Settle all Dues Before Release)
In the film directed by Ramesh Arvind, the 60-year-old actor plays a double role with Pooja Kumar and Andrea Jeremiah as his co-stars.
Some pro-Hindu outfits have protested against the period drama, saying it hurts religious sentiment.
Uttama Villain was, however, cleared by the census board and Kamal Haasan has also denied any controversial content. (Also Read:
Kamal Haasan's Uttama Villain Gets Green Signal From Madras High Court )