Director Shankar and actor Vadivelu called on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Secretariat on Friday. Though the duo maintained that it was just a courtesy call, it is said that they had briefed the Chief Minister on the problems that have been delaying the release of Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi.

Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi is yet to see the light of the day following a rift with Animal Welfare Board, which is reluctant to issue an No-Objection Certificate for using horses in the movie.

The Censor Board has issued certification to the movie but has insisted on the movie obtaining a NOC from Animal Welfare Board.

Since the process has been delayed, director Shankar chose to call on Karunanidhi on Friday and detail him on the developments and seek his intervention, sources close to the director said.

The movie being produced by Shankar has Vadivelu playing the lead role and a debutant, Simbu Devan, wielding the megaphone.