Suryaa Entertainment Desk: The Tamil Nadu government has granted permission for theaters to screen up to six shows daily for new film releases. This decision, which allows special screenings to begin as early as 6:00 AM during festival seasons, has been welcomed by the Tamil Nadu Theater and Multiplex Owners Association, led by Tirupur Subramaniam.
Previously, regulations limited theaters to four or five shows per day. Theater owners noted that this restriction caused Tamil Nadu to lag behind neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala, where early morning shows were already underway. Owners stated that the delay in starting shows in Tamil Nadu often led to film reviews appearing online before the first screening concluded, negatively impacting opening day collections. They reported that they had brought this issue to the attention of the Chief Minister, who responded positively and issued the orders.
Analysts expect this decision to increase state revenue from commercial entertainment tax by approximately 20 percent. They noted that digital ticketing and revenue monitoring systems will ensure transparent tax collection. Additionally, the 6:00 AM screenings will provide opportunities for night-shift employees and office workers to attend first-day, first-show screenings.
Meanwhile, industry representatives are calling for the amendment of outdated regulations, specifically the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act of 1952. There are reports that the government may focus on modernizing these laws after the Diwali festival. Industry sources expressed optimism that such regulatory relaxations could lead to an increase in the number of theaters, providing more screens for both large and small-budget films.