Tamil film industry to go on fast today

Chennai: Various trade bodies associated with the Tamil film industry, including Nadigar Sangham, the TFPC, FEFSI and the directors’ associations are set to hold a day-long fast on May 10 to protest what they claim is inconside rate behavior on the part of UFO and Qube makers. Most films these days are made digitally and are being screened in theatres in Qube and UFO formats. TFPC president Thaanu said, “People who are in the business monopolise and charge exorbitant rates from producers.

Also, without our consent they air advertisements at the cinema halls and make money as well. They also collect a huge amount from producers for tax purposes. But, we are not sure if they pay the tax to the government. To show our displeasure, we are going on a hunger strike.”In the meantime, the Tamil Film Producers’ Council have once again announced their decision to regulate the release of big budget films to only 10 festive and special occasions.
 
The move by TFPC was made to ensure that small-budget films find screens for their theatrical releases. Accordingly, any big movie that crosses the budget of Rs15 crore will be released during the following ten occasions: Pongal, Republic Day, Tamil New Year’s, May Day, Ramzan, Independence Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijayadasami,  Diwali and Christmas. “The new rule should be implemented with effect from June 1,” said Thaanu. TFPC bosses have in the past made similar announcement but nothing concrete was implemented.