Tamil film industry in disarray as theatres shutdown indefinitely

Theatre will remain closed in protest from Monday after the Tamil Nadu government decided to levy an extra 30% local tax in addition to GST (Goods and Services Tax).

Theatres will remain closed in Tamil Nadu from Monday after government’s announcement to levy 30% of entertainment tax over the newly implemented GST rate of 28%. While the move will send out a strong message to the government, it hasn’t been well received by the other bodies of the industry and several filmmakers have express stiff opposition.

Kollywood came to a standstill as the Tamil Nadu Film Chamber of Commerce decided to shut down theatres in protest from Monday. Suffering under the impact are small films like Ivan Thanthiran.

In an emotional plea, filmmaker R Kannan said the move will kill his just released Tamil film Ivan Thanthiran which, despite opening to highly positive reviews and numbers. Actor Vishal Krishna, president of The Tamil Film Producers’ Council, said he has appealed to the chamber to defer its decision. He said that the critical decision was taken (by the chamber) without the consent of other organizations. He said he will once again hold talks with the chamber and request them to revoke their decision and seek more time to discuss the matter with the government. Director Vijay, too, has appealed to the chamber to keep in mind the other people their decision could affect and wished that the issue is handled at the earliest.

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