Thalapathy Vijay's 'Varisu' touted to be a wholesome family entertainer is slated for release on Pongal 2023. It is set to clash with Vijay's arch professional rival Ajith Kumar's 'Thunivu'. Fans of both the superstars are eagerly looking forward to the clash but now a cloud has shrouded the release of 'Varisu' on the said date.

Telugu producers council has enforced a strict rule that for important festivals such as Dusshera and Sankranthi theaters should give preference only to straight Telugu films. For Sankranti 2023 Megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Walter Veeraiya' and NBK's 'Veera Simha Reddy' are slated for release.

Vijay's 'Varisu' also has a Telugu version titled 'Vaarasudu' and due to the strict rules of the Telugu producers the film cannot release on a festive date as it is dubbed from Tamil. It is said that Dil Raju the producer of the much awaited film wants both the versions to release on the same date so as to get the maximum opening in both the states.

A few industry analysts say that Dil Raju cannot go against the council as he is one of the important members who in the first place brought the only Telugu films rule on festival dates. Hence an alternate date of January 26th is said to be under consideration. Others feel that the issue will be sorted out in the coming weeks and 'Varisu' and 'Vaarasudu' will hit the screens on Pongal/ Sankranti next year as planned. We will have to wait and see how this drama plays out in the end.

'Varisu' is directed by Vamshi Paidipally with music by Thaman. The ensemble cast comprises of Vijay, Rashmika Mandanna, Prabhu, Jayasudha, Sarathkumar, Khushbu, Meena, Shaam, Srikanth, Prakash Raj, S.J. Suryah and Yogi Babu.