The television channel and production house Raj TV played a key role in the recent re-release of the Sivaji Ganesan epic Karnan.
After the overwhelming response, the channel is now planning to restore and convert yet another Sivaji Ganesan classic, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, in 3D and re-release it next year.


Says a source from the channel, “The response to Karnan has been overwhelming. Since we are also into video distribution, we have the rights of over 3,000 movies out of which we have identified 100 as masterpieces. We are planning to select and re-release a few of these films in the coming years.”

On Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the source says, “Like Karnan, this one too stands out because of its grandeur, be it in the production values or in the memorable performances. Sivaji bagged his first international award at the Egypt Film Festival for his performance in this film. Also, unlike Karnan, the negatives are still in good condition.” We hear that the budget for the project will be around Rs 1 crore.

It looks like Tamil cinema has taken a leaf out of Hollywood, where currently one classic after another is being converted and re-released in 3D, the 3D release of Titanic being the latest example.
Explaining why there is been an interest in re-releases, Swaroop Reddy, the managing director of popular multiplexes in the city, says, “People are extremely excited to be able to watch a classic in enhanced technology and are really appreciative of the film.”