Kanche Audio Launch LIVE || Varun Tej, Pragya Jaiswal

Karthi’s much-anticipated film Va Vathiyaar, which was originally slated for release in December last year, is finally gearing up to hit theatres on January 14. The film was also planned for a Telugu release under the title Anna Garu Vostaru. However, prolonged financial and legal hurdles forced the makers to defer its release indefinitely.

Produced by Studio Green’s KE Gnanvel Raja, the project ran into trouble following financial disputes with his former business partner. The fallout led to court cases, effectively putting Va Vathiyaar on hold for several months. Recent developments, however, suggest that the producer has managed to resolve key issues, paving the way for the film’s theatrical release during the lucrative Sankranthi season.

The timing works in the film’s favour. With Vijay’s Jana Nayagan officially postponed and Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi being the only major Tamil release—opening today amid censorship delays and receiving mixed reviews—the festive Pongal window has remained largely underutilised in Tamil Nadu. Industry sources indicate that Gnanvel Raja reached a mutual understanding with his partner, enabling him to bring Va Vathiyaar to cinemas on January 14 and capitalise on the holiday rush.

Given Karthi’s consistent box-office pull and the relatively open release window, Va Vathiyaar stands a fair chance of performing strongly in Tamil Nadu. However, despite its Tamil release, the Telugu version Anna Garu Vostaru is unlikely to hit screens. With a heavy lineup of Telugu films already occupying theatres during Sankranthi, the makers appear to have shelved plans for a Telugu theatrical release for now.