With actor-turned-Chief Minister Vijay now at the helm in Tamil Nadu, various film industry stakeholders have been meeting him to congratulate him and raise key concerns. One example of this association is the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners’ and Multiplex Theatre Owners’ Association, which has just issued a list of its demands to the Chief Minister of their state. These demands from the theatre associations aim to streamline their working process and make the entire process easier for them and for viewers by improving the overall viewing experience.
Simplification of regulation and reduction in operational issues
As per the report published by One India, the main demands made by these theatre owners are to create a single window clearance process for modification and construction of multiplexes within two weeks through the cooperation of district authorities. In addition to this, the theatre owners demanded that the licensing period should be three years for their theatres, and they no longer require any kind of project operator license since all theatres are digital now. Another point mentioned is that the local entertainment tax on Tamil films should be exempted so that the cost of tickets can be lowered, thus increasing audience turnout.
Standardising ticket pricing and encouraging innovation
Another important point of discussion was around tickets. Theatre owners have proposed a cap of Rs 450 for a large-format premium screen and Rs 300 for a normal theatre. The multiplex owners have even requested increasing the price from Rs 188 to Rs 200 to adjust for increased expenses. Besides, the theatre owners requested financial assistance to pay the electricity bill, slab benefits for the MSME category of theatres, and financial support for the Chennai International Film Festival. Also, the theatre owners stated that allowing theatres to conduct other activities like sports screenings, live stand-up comedy shows, corporate events, video conferences, and education programmes during the off periods would help sustain theatres in the long run.
Tamil Nadu theatre owners wish CM Vijay would adopt cinema-friendly policies
Since CM Vijay has been part of the film industry, theatre owners are optimistic that he will empathize with their situation. The requirements put forward by the theatre owners intend to modernize theatre operation, ease financial burdens, and increase viewer participation. The submission of the 10-point charter, which involves important aspects like setting standard ticket rates, no taxes, ease of permissions, and longer usage of theatres, signifies the industry’s attempt to work together with the government.
