Tamil Nadu theatre owners welcome new six-show daily limit for releases
The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association called the decision to allow 6 am screenings a Deepavali gift.
The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association on Wednesday welcomed a government decision to allow theatres across the state to screen special shows from 6 am. According to the Hindustan Times, the move permits up to six shows a day during major festive releases.
Association president Tirupur Subramaniam said the change addresses a long-standing industry demand. He noted that neighbouring states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, already permit screenings starting at 6 am.
Subramaniam stated that the previous 9 am start time meant audiences in other southern states finished shows while Tamil Nadu screenings were just beginning. He added that digital media reviews often reach audiences before the first Tamil Nadu show, which impacts opening collections for producers.
The association president said the Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, issued orders for the 6 am screenings after operational difficulties were presented to him. He noted that the increase from a four-to-five-show cap to six shows could raise commercial entertainment tax receipts by an estimated 20 per cent.
Subramaniam said the industry has urged the state to overhaul regulations from the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 1952. He mentioned that the administration has promised to re-examine these outdated laws after Deepavali.
The association expects that regulatory easing could lead to the state's 1,200 functional movie screens increasing twofold by 2026-27.