Cinemas throughout Iran are already reporting having sold out showings for the new " Muhammad " movie.
Nonetheless, Iranians will have to wait until Thursday to watch the $40 million film by Iranian film director Majid Majidi, as the release has been postponed one day.
Originally the film was set for release in 143 cinemas throughout Iran Wednesday, a day before opening the Montreal Film Festival in Canada. The release date was changed due to technical issues.
"It will premiere tomorrow [Thursday]," a spokesperson for the film told the AFP.
According to Iranian media cited by AFP, the film's audio track would not work with existing sound systems in Iranian cinemas, causing them to postpone to adjust their systems.
"Those who have purchased tickets in advance can use their tickets from Thursday until next Wednesday," the film's producer and distributor Mohammad Reza Saberi said.
The epic film, which took seven years to produce and stars many prominent Iranian actors, has stirred controversy among some Muslims because it depicts the prophet. However, the film refrains from ever showing Muhammad's face.
Iran is predominantly composed of Shiites, who are generally more relaxed about depicting religious figures than Sunnis. Many cinemas have already reported sold-out showings throughout the country.
Majidi's intention behind the film was to portray Islam in a positive way, to counter negative stereotypes. He told the AFP that extremist groups have "have stolen the name of Islam."
He went on to say that in the West "an incorrect interpretation of Islam has emerged that shows a violent image of Islam, and we believe it has no link whatsoever."
The first installment of a trilogy, "Muhammad" tells the story of the prophet's birth, childhood and teenage years.
"Definitely, some countries like Saudi Arabia will have problems with this film but many Islamic countries – including Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia and many others in Southeast Asia – have asked for the film," Majidi said.
Watch an interview with Majidi below: