Tamil Nadu theater owners demand to Heroes and Producers

The Tamil Nadu Theater Owners Association members met in Chennai today and passed various resolutions that could impact film producers. A week ago, the association asked the government to authorize an increase in ticket prices. Among the highlights of today’s meeting is the request to top heroes Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay and Ajith to act in two films a year to bring in the audiences to theaters.

The other resolutions are as follows.

• The new films should not be screened on OTT until after 8 weeks in theaters.
• The advertisement for new movies on OTT should only be done after 4 weeks have passed.
• For new movies, the maximum share amount should be 60%.
• A share of the income generated by films produced for theatrical screening should be allocated to cinemas when they are screened in OTT.

Requests to Govt

• Theaters should be allowed to charge maintenance charges as in other states.
• Theaters should be allowed to conduct commercial programs.
• Electricity bills and property taxes should be reduced.
• Request the government to reconsider the demands already made and to take orders as soon as possible to make way for theaters to survive.

“We request the government to reconsider the demands we have already given and give permission soon and make way for theaters to live,” the press release added. Earlier today, a consultative meeting took place on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Theater Owners Association. The association appealed to A-list stars from Kollywood to act in at least two films a year.

During the last week, the association reportedly urged the State government to modify the current cinema ticket pricing. The association has requested to increase the ticket prices for all theaters, including single-screen theaters and multiplexes, following alleged complaints about persistent financial losses sustained by the theater owners.