Chennai/Coimbatore (PTI): Tamil superstar Rajnikanth's film 'Kuchelan' was released in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu with fanfare as well as protests over his expression of regret for some remarks he made during the height of the Hogenakkal row in April this year.

The movie had a smooth launch in 21 cinemas in Chennai but trouble broke out in Coimbatore where protesters tore off banners and posters in various parts of the city.

Tight security was provided to the cinema houses in Coimbatore screening the movie following the incident. Six persons were taken into custody on charges of destroying the posters, police said.

Long colourful banners and cutouts erected near cinema houses were found torn in the early hours today.

Celebrations by his fans for the release of the film were less compared to his last film 'Sivaji-the Boss' when they performed 'milk abhishekham' to his cutouts and took the film rolls in a procession to cinema houses.

A Salem report said ten Hens were sacrificed for the film's success and free tickets given to some poor people.

Though billed as Rajnikant starrer, the actor has played a minor role in the film, with the main role, that of the actor's poor friend, being played by up and coming actor Pasupathy. Nayantara plays Rajnikanth's lady love, pairing with the supertstar after their earlier successful venture, 'Chandramukhi,' in 2005.

'Kuchelan' is a remake of the Malayalam hit `Katha Parayumbol' where megastar Mammootty played himself while Srinivasan played the role of the poor barber friend of the actor. Besides Rajnikanth and Nayantara, comedian Vadivelu and actress Meena, among others, are also part of the crew.

Directed by P Vasu,the movie is produced by K Balachander, Rajnikant's mentor while the musical score has been rendered by G V Prakash Kumar whose previous works include the award-winning `Veyyil'.

Vasu had given a fillip to Rajnikanth's career after 'Baba' flopped, by making the hugely succcessful 'Chandramukhi'.The film broke the record of 'Haridas' (1945) to become the longest screened Tamil movie.

Kuchelan or Sudama as he is also known in Indian mythology is an epitome of friendship. Legend has it that the poor friend of Lord Krishna visited his childhood friend to seek financial help but after being bowled over by the Lord's hospitality returns home without informing Krishna of his plight.But when he returns home, he finds prosperity in his house and realises that the Lord had come to his rescue.

Meanwhile, Hindu Makkal Katchi in a statement criticised Rajnikanth for expressing regret and said this was an "insult to Tamils."

The film was released in 500 cinema houses in Tamil Nadu.