Theatre owners and moviegoers in Tamil Nadu have reason to celebrate as the state government has introduced a major change in film screening timings. The new order allows theatres to screen new Tamil movies from 6 AM for a week following their release. The decision is expected to bring back early morning screenings, which have been a major part of celebrations surrounding big-star films and festival releases. The revised rules also permit theatres to conduct six shows a day, giving audiences more opportunities to watch new releases during their opening week.
CM Vijay approves 6 AM shows for Tamil movies after industry request
According to the official GO, the Tamil Nadu government announced the decision on November 3, with Chief Minister Vijay approving the revised screening schedule. According to the order, theatres can screen new Tamil films from 6 AM until 2.30 AM the following day for seven days from their release. The move comes after requests from the Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association and Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association. The film bodies had approached the government seeking permission to bring back early morning shows, particularly for major releases and festive occasions.
Ajith’s ‘Thunivu’ tragedy in 2023 led to restrictions on early morning shows
Early morning shows in Tamil Nadu were a usual phenomenon, with films being shown at midnight, 4 AM, and 6 AM. But all such screenings in the early hours of the morning had to stop because of the unfortunate incident that occurred during the FDFS celebration of Ajith’s ‘Thunivu,’ which was released in January 2023. A fan, who was celebrating the film’s release by dancing on a moving lorry in Chennai, fell and suffered fatal injuries. Following the incident, the government stopped granting permission for early morning special shows. Theatres were subsequently allowed to screen big releases and festival films from 9 AM, with a maximum of five shows a day.
New Screening rules bring relief to Tamil film industry ahead of festive releases
The latest decision marks a significant change in the state’s film exhibition rules and comes as a relief to producers, distributors and theatre owners. The government had earlier permitted 9 AM screenings for new films during their first week after release, a practice that continued after Vijay assumed office. With the latest approval, the industry can now plan releases with an expanded screening schedule. The introduction of 6 AM show times is also going to make people more excited about festive movie releases such as the ones scheduled to be released during Diwali.
‘Scene’ starring Suriya and ‘Mookuthi Amman 2’ starring Nayanthara to gain from new regulations
The new release timings will help ‘Scene,’ starring Suriya, and ‘Mookuthi Amman 2,’ starring Nayanthara, which are set to be released on November 6 for Diwali. With permission to show movies at 6 AM, along with six showtimes a day, both movies will benefit.
