Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's forthcoming release 'Kuruvi', directed by Dharani and produced by Udayanidhi Stalin, has fetched a record amount through the distribution rights in Kerala.
The rights are said to have been brought by leading hair dresser Mahi, for Rs 1.50 crore. Mahi has earlier produced and distributed two Malayalam films.
'Kuruvi' is scheduled for May release. The mid summer vacations and the increasing number of fans in the state, could fetch large number of crowd to the film, it is believed.
Mollywood filmy associations have been trying to avoid Malayalam releases clashing with the releases of Tamil biggies in the state. Since many Kollywood stars command big openings in Kerala, even small time filmmakers are careful enough to reschedule the dates according to the release dates of Tamil films.
Recently the associations has passed a resolution which permits the Tamil films to get released in Kerala only after two weeks from their original release dates in Tamil Nadu. Despite this move, Tamil films continue to command good response in Kerala.
It may be recalled that Vijay's 'Pokkiri' was one of the highest collecting films of last year, which completed hundred days in many centers in Kerala. Though Vijay's latest film 'Azhagiya Tamil Magan' did not do well in Tamil Nadu, it made good businesses in Kerala.
Kerala is also awaiting the big Tamil releases like 'Dasavadharam', 'Yaaradi Nee Mohini' and 'Varanam Aayiram', which will hit the theatres in a couple of months.