An Elated Tamil Film Industry Set to Make the Most of CM Vijay’s Five-Show Decision

When C. Joseph Vijay (aka Thalapathy Vijay) became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil film fraternity knew somewhere that this would work in their favor. Their expectations were high, and the actor-turned-Chief Minister did not disappoint. In one of his first major decisions, he granted permission to theaters across the state to screen five shows each day for all films during the first week of their release.

This move has brought all-around cheer to the industry. Until three years ago, tier-1 heroes and tentpole movies enjoyed early-morning shows in Tamil Nadu. However, the unfortunate death of a youngster that happened during the celebrations for Ajith-starrer “Thunivu” in January 2023 changed things, and morning shows were scrapped thereafter. Now, this uplifting directive from the CM is being considered a game-changer for the industry as far as the business aspect is concerned.

Huge boon for producers and distributors

Director Sasi, maker of “Nooru Saami,” says, “For filmmakers like us who rely on stories and not stardom, this is a boon. For a while, five shows were being allotted only to big films and during special occasions. Now, the extra shows on Saturday and Sunday will be an advantage for producers and distributors. The main beneficiary would be small films that open to good word of mouth.”

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Expecting better footfall

Valliappan of Chennai-based Kamala Cinemas points out that the decision will pave the way for more footfall in the first week. “It’s a fact that the first weekend decides a film’s fate. The additional shows will lead to the selling of more tickets; this is a productive change,” he says. He believes that the early-morning shows, which used to be a regular thing for big-ticket films earlier, aren’t necessary to generate adequate footfall. “There have been instances where the shows starting from 4 am or 5 am have led to chaos. Ideally, if we begin by 8 am, we will have the provision to screen five shows,” he adds.

Multiple films can be accommodated

Leading distributor K Rajamannar, too, welcomes the decision. He notes that this will help exhibitors to accommodate multiple films during festivals and special occasions. However, he feels that the allotted time for the first-day-first-show (FDFS) should be advanced by an hour or two from its usual 9 am slot. He says, “It takes 15 minutes each for entry, exit, cleaning and interval for every show, so an hour is wasted from the show’s runtime. Allowing permission to begin FDFS from 7 am or 8 am will help us factor in the time that goes for other administrative functions and screen five shows without any hitch.”