Chennai: In a novel method to encourage quality films, a theatre chain company today screened the latest Tamil film "Onbathu Rupaai Nottu" (Nine Rupee Note) in 100 theatres across Tamil Nadu, free of cost.

With acclaimed director Thangar Bachchan having wielded the megaphone, the film, released on December one, has already won rave reviews and is running to pack houses.

Pyramid Saimira Theatre Managing Director P S Saminathan said that the movie was screened free of cost to enable people appreciate the film, "which realistically portrays the lives of the rural masses and the intricacies of human relationships."

He said the response to the concept was "unbelievable" as thousands of fans thronged the theatres to watch the movie. At many places, people had to be turned away due to lack of seats, he said.

He expressed the hope that the people's appreciation of such films would encourage more producers and directors to come out with quality films.