It`s not uncommon for South star Vijay`s films to generate pre-release buzz. However, Master, ahead of its release on January 13, found itself in the eye of the storm when the Tamil Nadu government allowed 100 per cent occupancy for theatres last week, following the star`s meeting with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Soon after, the Centre instructed the Tamil Nadu chief secretary to fall in line with its guidelines, leading the state government to revoke its order on January 8.

The controversy notwithstanding, director Lokesh Kanagaraj is only too happy that the film will have a theatrical release during Pongal. "The objective behind making this film was to release it in cinemas. A movie like this can only be celebrated on the big screen. We never thought of taking the OTT route, and were sure of waiting it out," he says.