Some of the stars from the Tamil film industry have gone on a hunger strike against being asked to pay additional service tax. Superstar Rajinikanth has also joined the protest. Known Tamil actors such as Vijay, Sarathkumar, Radhika and Suhasini are also part of the fray. The tax of 12.36 per cent, they argue, should not apply because the service tax on the entertainment industry was partly lifted a few years ago exempting producers, exhibitors and distributors, reports NDTV.

What is their argument against the imposition? "The industry has thousands of smaller artists besides leading stars. Not all get offers throughout the year and they are overburdened. Unlike other industries we can't even pass it on to consumers as theatre collection comes under state government", Mr Sarathkumar, president of the actors association told NDTV.

All the movie theatres in the state will reportedly remain shut till evening today.

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