CM Vijay Allows Six Daily Shows, Restores 6 am Screenings for Tamil Films

In a major boost to the Tamil film industry, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has permitted theatres across the state to screen up to six shows daily for newly released Tamil films during their first week, restoring early morning screenings after a gap of nearly three years.

Under the revised guidelines, theatres can schedule screenings between 6 am and 2.30 am the following day. The six-show permission will also apply to Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and local festival days.

The decision follows representations from the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, Tamil Film Producers Council and Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association, which sought additional screenings to accommodate audience demand, particularly during the Deepavali release season.

The move is significant as Tamil Nadu had discontinued early morning screenings following an incident in January 2023. A 19-year-old fan, Bharath Kumar, died after reportedly falling from a moving truck while celebrating the release of Ajith Kumar's 'Thunivu' outside Rohini Silver Screens in Chennai. The restrictions were introduced amid concerns over public safety and law and order.

The latest decision is expected to benefit upcoming Deepavali releases, including Suriya's 'Scene' and Nayanthara's 'Mookuthi Amman 2', scheduled for November 6. However, the eligibility of dubbed films for the additional screenings remains unclear.

Producer-distributor G Dhananjayan reportedly said the industry's request was submitted to Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan on October 27, following which approval was secured from the Chief Minister.

Industry representatives have welcomed the decision, saying it could create a level playing field for Tamil films. They pointed out that releases in neighbouring states and overseas markets often begin at 6 am, giving those audiences an opportunity to watch films earlier than viewers in Tamil Nadu.

Under Condition 14-A of the Form 'C' licence issued under the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, theatres were originally restricted to four shows daily. The previous government relaxed the limit to five shows during the first week and on weekends and holidays.

The government has now directed officials to propose necessary amendments to the rules, providing theatre owners greater flexibility in scheduling screenings.