Tamil Nadu Theatre Body Writes To Govt To Mandate 8-Week OTT Release Window For 'Big Star' Movies

Tamil Nadu's cinema owners have sounded the alarm over the film industry's future, urging the state government to address pressing concerns. At a recent press conference, the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association highlighted the various requests they have submitted to the state government. They stressed the need to improve theatre operations and called for an eight-week gap between theatrical releases and their streaming on OTT platforms.

Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association demands changes in ticket prices and morning shows

As per reports, the association urged the government to revise the dynamic ticket prices up to ₹250 plus taxes for different types of theatres: ₹250 for multiplexes, ₹200 for A/C theatres and ₹150 for non-A/C theatres.

They also requested permission for early morning shows, in addition to the five regular screenings, advocating for the same first-day-first-show (FDFS) timings in Tamil Nadu as followed in other states.

Mandate an 8-week gap between OTT and theatre for movies of ‘big stars’

They also requested the government to enforce an 8-week gap for big stars' films and a 6-week gap for other films between theatrical releases and OTT streaming. It would help theatres generate more revenue, increasing tax contributions to the government due to higher attendance.

GS urges maintenance charges from the admission fee be levied

Moreover, in the letter issued by members of the association, including R Paneerselvam, the general secretary, it was urged that 10% of maintenance charges from the admission fee be levied by the theatres. The association also mentioned the extension of the usage of theatres to accommodate other commercial activities that are part of malls. “Since theatres operate under MSME regulations, we ask for adherence to MSME guidelines regarding electricity charges. If these requests are granted, theatres can operate without incurring losses,” read the statement.

These issues have become more concerning for the associations since the government limited the number of shows in the state, while other states allow early morning shows, affecting the collections from Tamil Nadu theatres.