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The 2021 Indian film Master faced several controversies. Filming was disrupted by an income tax raid at the home of the film's lead actor Vijay and protests by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[1][2] The film, which was originally scheduled for release on 13 January 2021, was delayed by the COVID-19 lockdown. It was initially planned to be released with 100% seating capacity in theatres, following a personal request by Vijay to then Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami,[3] and in line with other Tamil films. After protests from doctors and social activists, and the Central Government's decision against full occupancy in theatres, this plan was revoked and the film was released with 50% seating occupancy.[4]

Unknown individuals pirated several scenes from the film before the theatrical release. On 29 January 2021, shortly after its run in theatres, the film was made available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video—16 days after its theatrical release—[5] leading to criticism from theatre owners and exhibitors.[6]

Income tax raid

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On 5 February 2020, the Income Tax Department raided the Chennai home of the film's lead actor Vijay, investigating potential tax evasion related to his investment in immovable properties inherited from the production studio AGS Entertainment, which bankrolled Bigil (2019).[7][8] The investigation occurred while Vijay was shooting for Master in Neyveli,[9] causing disruption to the project.[10][11] Nearly ₹77 crore was seized from properties belonging to AGS Entertainment—the creative producer of Bigil, Archana Kalpathi, and film financer Anbu Cheliyan.[12][13]

In March 2020, another raid occurred at the residence of the film's co-producer-and-distributor Lalit Kumar, and at his production house 7 Screen Studios,[14] due to the film's pre-release business. Kumar had received a share of ₹50 crore from the film's ₹220 crore profit.[a][17] On 13 March 2020,[18] the IT department reported nothing significant was found during the raid and that Vijay had paid all due taxes.[19][20] The Income Tax Department later released figures from the tax evasion probe showing Vijay received ₹50 crore for Bigil and ₹80 crore from Master.[21][22] Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politically targeting Vijay through these IT raids because of his criticism of the party.[23][24]

Protests by Bharatiya Janata Party

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On 7 February 2020, members of the BJP protested in front of a coal mine owned by Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), where the film's final shooting schedule was being held.[25] The party members protested against the NLC administration for granting permission for the shoot.[26] Although the film crew had obtained permission for the shoot, the protesters said the area was highly secured and not suitable for a movie shoot, and they threatened to continue their protests if filming continued.[27][28]

Later that day, fans of Vijay arrived and mounted a counter protest in support of the actor. Both groups of protesters dispersed after police intervention.[29]

Theatre seating capacity in Tamil Nadu

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The Government of Tamil Nadu initially granted the makers of Master permission to release the film with 100% seating capacity in theatres, following a personal request from Vijay to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. This decision was made despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.[30]

Shortly thereafter, the Central Government of India issued a directive against the Tamil Nadu government's decision, stating 100% seating occupancy[31][32] violated the guidelines of the Minister of Home Affairs, which permitted only 50% seat occupancy in theatres.[33][34] Many doctors and social activists also protested against allowing 100% seating capacity.[35][36] The Central Government's notice was upheld and the seating capacity in Tamil Nadu theatres was halved.[37][38]

Prior to the issues regarding occupancy, exhibitors urged Vijay to reduce his salary for the film so the budget could be cut and the film would become more profitable for the distributors.[39] Eventually, the distributors planned for Master to have a solo theatrical release in Tamil Nadu to maximise collections.[40]

Tiruppur Subramanian, head of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, said Master might receive priority in theatres if it was screened at 50% occupancy.[41] After the film's theatrical release,[42][43] more than 10 theatres in Chennai were fined for allowing full seat occupancy and violating COVID-19 safety precautions.[44][45]

Online piracy

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On 12 January 2021, a day before Master's theatrical release, some scenes from the film were leaked on social media by anonymous individuals, triggering controversy within the film industry.[46][47] Lokesh Kanagaraj and Malavika Mohanan urged the public not to share the leaked scenes and requested they watch the film in theatres while observing safety precautions.[48][49] Many directors, producers, and actors from the South Indian film industry supported Lokesh on this issue.[50][51]

The social media platform Twitter later assisted the production team to identify the source of the leak. It was revealed a person who worked for a digital company that had acquired the distribution rights abroad had allegedly stolen and leaked a copy of the film on the Internet.[52]

Early streaming release

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Master began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 29 January 2021, 16 days after its theatrical release; this was the shortest interval between cinematic and streaming releases for a Tamil film, a first for an Indian film.[53][54] Xavier Britto said the film's early streaming release was due to it not being released in primary overseas centres.[55] Theatre owners objected to the early streaming release, saying piracy websites would upload high-definition copies of the film, which could negatively affect its box-office collections.[56][57]

Theatre owners demanded a 10% share from the theatrical screenings on Master but the film's producers proceeded with their streaming plans.[58] Following the film's early streaming release, theatre owners announced that no film should premiere on a streaming service less than 30 days after its theatrical release.[59][60] Despite this, theatre owners continued to screen the film due to fan demand[61][62] and a lack of interest in films released after Master, which they attributed to poor content and ineffective promotional activities.[63][64]

Other issues

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Three days of location filming for Master took place at a school for visually challenged children in Poonamallee, where the behaviour of the crew drew mixed reactions.[65] Saravana Pandian, the school coordinator, was upset with Vijay for not meeting or interacting with the school's students as reported.[65] He also criticized some crew members for smoking on the school premises, despite the presence of students.[65]

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Egmore directed the CB-CID to file an first information report (FIR) against producer Xavier Britto for copyright infringement.[66] This court order resulted from a case filed by Novex Communications Private Limited, a music copyright company.[67] According to the petitioner, some songs from Master were played at the film's audio launch on 15 March 2020 without obtaining copyright permission from Think Music, one of Novex's clients.[68][69]

Film writer K. Rangadas filed a petition alleging plagiarism, saying Master's storyline is based on one of his works registered with the South Indian Film Writers Association in 2017.[70]

Notes

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  1. ^ This deal was finalised before COVID-19 lockdown[15] and after the film's postponement to 13 January 2021, the deal was later revised to ₹158.3 crore.[16]

References

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  1. ^ "Income Tax sleuths raid top Tamil actor Vijay's residence in Chennai: Report". Mint. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Master: TN BJP protests on the sets of Thalapathy Vijay starrer". Pinkvilla. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Tamil Nadu government allows 100 per cent occupancy in theatres ahead of Master, Eeswaran release". Cinema Express. 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Ahead of Master's release, Vijay, Tamil Nadu govt faces backlash over 100 percent cinema occupancy order". Firstpost. 5 January 2021. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Vijay-starrer 'Master' to release on Amazon Prime Video on January 29". The Hindu. PTI. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Blindsided by Master's early OTT release, theatre owners rue lack of transparency". The Indian Express. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  7. ^ Kandavel, Sangeetha (6 February 2020). "Income Tax raids unearth ₹77 crore from financier of Vijay-starrer 'Bigil'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Actor Vijay questioned, 'Bigil' producers raided by Income Tax authorities". The News Minute. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  9. ^ "Income Tax officials issue summons to Vijay on sets of 'Master'". The Times of India. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  10. ^ Kandavel, Sangeetha (6 February 2020). "Over ₹77 crore seized from film producer; searches continue at actor Vijay's properties". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  11. ^ Sivakumar, B (6 February 2020). "Vijay Income Tax Raid: Income tax searches on actor Vijay and others: Rs 77 crore seized from financier Anbu Chezhiyan's premises". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  12. ^ "Rs 77 crore recovered in IT raid from film financer of actor Vijay". DNA India. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  13. ^ "Income-Tax raid at Vijay's Chennai house". India Today. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  14. ^ "Income Tax Raid: After Thalapathy Vijay, IT Officials conduct search at Master's producer's house in Chennai". Pinkvilla. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  15. ^ Johnson, David (14 January 2020). "Master pre-release business: Vijay's film mints over Rs 200 crore before release". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Master Worldwide Pre-Release Business: Thalapathy Vijay Starrer Crosses 150-Crore Mark!". Filmibeat. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  17. ^ "I-T raids premises of Vijay-starrer Master's co-producer Lalith Kumar". The New Indian Express. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Income tax officials at Vijay's house again". Cinema Express. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
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  20. ^ "Income Tax Search at Actor Vijay's Residence Concludes, Officials Say He Paid All Taxes". News18. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  21. ^ "I-T report reveals Vijay's salary: Sarkar actor received Rs 50 crore for Bigil and Rs 80 crore for Master". India Today. 14 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  22. ^ "I-T search at Vijay's residence concludes, officials say he has paid all taxes". The Week. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  23. ^ "IT raid controversy: DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran backs actor Vijay". The Times of India. 10 February 2020. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  24. ^ "Rajinikanth targeted once again by the DMK leader; Dayanidhi Maran speaks in support of Thalapathy Vijay". Pinkvilla. 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  25. ^ "BJP supporters protest against shooting of Vijay's 'Master' at Neyveli coal mines". The Times of India. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  26. ^ "BJP members protest at Neyveli Coal Mine during the shooting of Vijay's Master, demand permission be withdrawn". Firstpost. 8 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  27. ^ Nath, Akshaya (8 February 2020). "Vijay's Master: BJP cadres protest at Neyveli to stop the film's shooting". India Today. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  28. ^ "BJP Workers Protest against Tamil Actor Vijay's Shoot in Neyveli Mining Area". News18. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  29. ^ "BJP workers protest against Vijay, oppose shooting of 'Master'". The Week. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  30. ^ "Kollywood heaves a sigh of relief as TN govt permits 100 per cent occupancy in theatres". The Indian Express. 5 January 2021. Archived from the original on 5 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  31. ^ Babu Jayakumar, G.; Sekar, D. (7 January 2021). "Master, Eeswaran not to have full house shows". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  32. ^ "Tamil Nadu govt rolls back decision to allow 100% occupancy at movie theatres". Mint. 8 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Setback for Pongal releases- Vijay's Master and Simbu's Eeswaran cannot have 100 % theatre occupancy". The Times of India. 6 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  34. ^ "Tamil Nadu revokes decision allowing 100% seating in cinema halls". The Hindu. 8 January 2021. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  35. ^ Balachandran, Logesh (5 January 2021). "Puducherry doctor's heartfelt post for actors Vijay and Simbu goes viral. We are tired, he says". India Today. Archived from the original on 6 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  36. ^ "More doctors raise voice against Tamil Nadu govt's move allowing 100% seating in theatres". The New Indian Express. 5 January 2021. Archived from the original on 5 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  37. ^ "Hours after Madras HC order, Tamil Nadu govt revokes decision to permit 100% occupancy in theatres". The Indian Express. 8 January 2021. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  38. ^ "Tamil Nadu government removes 50 per cent cap on theatre occupancy". The Indian Express. 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  39. ^ K., Janani (8 January 2021). "Vijay's Master releases on Pongal 2021 in theatres half full. Will it be a blockbuster?". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Theater owners to allocate all their screens to 'Master'!". Sify. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  41. ^ "Tiruppur Subramaniam on occupancy in theater: 'Master' will be screened in all theaters if the government revokes 100% theater occupancy". The Times of India. 7 January 2021. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  42. ^ "Chennai Kasi theatre booked for allowing more than 50% occupancy for 'Master'". The News Minute. 13 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  43. ^ K., Janani (14 January 2021). "Kasi Theatre in Chennai fined for allowing more than 50 per cent occupancy for Master". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  44. ^ Selvaraj, A (13 January 2021). "Vijay's Master release: 10 Chennai theatres booked for not following 50% occupancy norm". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  45. ^ "'Master' screening | 11 cases against Chennai theatres for violations". The Hindu. 14 January 2021. Archived from the original on 7 February 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  46. ^ "Master movie scenes leaked online". The Indian Express. 11 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  47. ^ "Scenes from Master leaked ahead of release, team takes swift action". Hindustan Times. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  48. ^ "Tamil Film Master Leaked Online, Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Urges Fans to not Share Clips". India.com. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  49. ^ K., Janani (12 January 2021). "Vijay's Master leaked hours before release, director requests people not to share videos". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  50. ^ "Support pours in for Master team after clip leak". The Times of India. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  51. ^ K., Janani (12 January 2021). "After Master leaked online, Prashanth Neel to Mari Selvaraj speak against piracy". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  52. ^ "Twitter helps the 'Master' team to find the person who leaked the footage". The Times of India. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  53. ^ K., Janani (27 January 2021). "Thalapathy Vijay's Master to premiere on Amazon Prime on Jan 29. Fans can't wait". India Today. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  54. ^ "Master to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on January 29". The Indian Express. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  55. ^ Menon, Vishal (8 February 2021). "'Vijay's Salary Is Completely Justified': Xavier Britto, Producer Of 'Master'". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 28 February 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  56. ^ "Theatre owners, distributors urge 'Master' crew to delay OTT release". The News Minute. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  57. ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (27 January 2021). "Master on OTT in Less Than 3 Weeks: A short-sighted decision could cause long-term damage to film business". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  58. ^ "Theatre owners demand an additional 10% share from 'Master' producers". The Times of India. 28 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  59. ^ "After Vijay's Master, theater owners seek no OTT premiere for 30 days". The Times of India. 1 February 2021. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  60. ^ "Master on OTT 2 weeks after theatres: What's the ideal gap between theatrical and OTT release?". Hindustan Times. 16 February 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  61. ^ "Master class". The New Indian Express. 7 February 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  62. ^ "Master is Blockbuster Despite Constraints, What's Stopping Sooryavanshi and '83 to Hit Screens?". News18. 9 February 2021. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  63. ^ "To offset unexciting new releases and OTT, theatres go back to older hits to lure audiences to the big screen". The Times of India. 18 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  64. ^ "Who will save big screen in Tamil Nadu?". The New Indian Express. 26 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 June 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  65. ^ a b c "Vijay's 'Thalapathy 64' crew accused of smoking inside school premises during shoot". The Hindu. 12 December 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  66. ^ "'Master': FIR filed against the producer Xavier Britto". The Times of India. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  67. ^ "Case filed against Master producer Xavier Britto for violating copyright laws". India Today. 13 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  68. ^ "Chennai Court directs CB-CID to register case for copyright infringement over music played in 'Master' event". The Hindu. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  69. ^ "Master: FIR filed against Xavier Britto as songs played during audio launch were from other movies of Vijay". Pinkvilla. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  70. ^ "Vijay's Master runs into plagiarism trouble". The Times of India. 8 January 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
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