Tamil Nadu theatre owners call for eight-week window for OTT release: ‘Stop Tamil film premieres in other states before Tamil Nadu’

2024 has been an interesting year for Tamil cinema as it has been a classic case of the first half-second half issue. While the first half of 2024 didn’t really churn out money spinners with consistency, the second half has been slightly better. But this dichotomy hasn’t gone down well with Tamil Nadu theatre owners who have been suffering from the oscillation of fortunes every week. In a recent meeting convened by the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, the members released a statement sharing their pressing concerns with the state government, including a eight-week window between theatrical and OTT release. 

Some of the suggestions expressed by the association are dynamic ticket pricing, increasing number of shows, and regularising shows of Tamil films across the country. With respect to the dynamic ticket pricing, the association urged it to be revised to Rs 250+taxes (multiplex), Rs 200+taxes (A/C Theatres) and Rs 150+taxes (non-AC theatres). Another important suggestion was early morning shows, in addition to five regular screenings, and deter Tamil films from having premieres in other states before Tamil Nadu. This has been a pressing concern, especially since the government has restricted the number of shows in the state. It has become a bigger problem, especially since other states have early morning shows that eat into the collection from Tamil Nadu theatres. 

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They also put forth a request for a release window of 6-8 weeks for films before they begin streaming on OTT platforms. In addition, in the letter, signed by the members of the association, including R Paneerselvam, the general secretary, it was urged that 10% of maintenance charges from the admission fee can be levied by the theatres. The association also discussed the extension of the usage of theatres to accommodate other commercial activities that are part of malls. “Since theatres operate under MSME regulations, we ask for adherence to MSME guidelines regarding electricity charges. If these requests are granted, theatres can operate without incurring losses,” read the statement. 

Members of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association

While this isn’t the first time such demands are being made by the theatre owners association, this is part of a collective upheaval happening in Tamil cinema. There is a systemic change happening from the side of Tamil producers too. The Tamil Producers’ body announced that all kinds of work related to shooting of Tamil cinema has to be stopped from November 1 to tackle the issues of increasing salaries and other expenses of actors, actresses and technicians. 

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Will the theatre owners’ demands be met? We have to wait and watch, but it is going to be an uphill battle on multiple fronts.