New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS): The release of the much-anticipated comicbook antihero film "Joker", starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, has been preopned in India. The film, which was scheduled to release on October 4, will now open on Gandhi Jayanti, thereby setting up a box-office clash with the Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff action drama "War" and Chiranjeevi's Telugu period drama "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy".

The date change was announced on the Twitter handle of Warner Bros.

"'Joker' movie will now release in India on Wednesday, October 2nd, two days ahead of its initial scheduled release," the post read.

It is interesting to note that the film, which has left people wondering if it will encourage violence, will release on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who epitomises non-violence.

Directed by Todd Phillips, "Joker" is based on the popular DC supervillain of the same name. It follows the life of Arthur Fleck (essayed by Phoenix) as an aspiring stand-up comedian and his transition into becoming the Joker.

The film was recently screened at the Venice film festival and has been receiving rave reviews and positive audience feedback.

Apart from Phoenix, the movie also features Robert De Niro, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais, and Shea Whigham.