Tamil Nadu government revives 6am shows for new Tamil films
The state has amended cinema rules to allow six daily screenings for new Tamil movies during their opening week.
The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday amended the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, to allow six daily screenings for newly released Tamil films during their first week. According to The Times of India, these early morning shows can begin as early as 6am.
The new rules also permit six shows a day on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and local festival days. Screenings are now allowed from 6am until 2.30am the following day.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued the order following requests from the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, the Tamil Film Producers Council, and the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association. The associations had submitted nine other demands to the government.
This decision reverses a 2023 move by the previous DMK regime, which stopped early morning screenings due to law and order concerns after a fan died during celebrations for the film Thunivu. Under the previous DMK administration, special 9am shows required specific government orders.
The Tamil Nadu Film Producers Association welcomed the decision, stating that earlier screenings in other states and overseas markets often shaped movie reviews before Tamil Nadu audiences could watch them. The association said the move allows movies to be screened universally at the same time.