Tamil film producers have announced that no new films will be released in theatres from September 1, citing objections to a newly stated condition linked to OTT releases.
According to a statement issued after a meeting held at the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce in Chennai, office-bearers of the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association participated in the discussions.
The producers said the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation and the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association had decided—without consulting producers—that theatres would screen films only if producers submit a letter committing to release the film on OTT platforms only after eight weeks of its theatrical release.
Calling the move unacceptable and noting that such a system is not followed in other South Indian states, the producers said many of the roughly 250 films released annually already face losses. In protest, they said they will also suspend film shooting and post-production work, and plan to take the issue to the Chief Minister for a resolution.
At present, the common practice in Tamil and other South Indian cinema is for films to arrive on OTT about four weeks after their theatrical release.
