Nov 03, 2026 8:18pm IST
Tamil Nadu Restores 6 AM Shows; South Indian States Differ on Screening Rules and Ticket Prices (EXCLUSIVE)
Tamil Nadu has officially brought back 6 a.m. early-morning shows (EMS) for new Tamil film releases during their opening week, marking a significant shift in the state’s theatrical exhibition policy. A Government Order (G.O.) issued on November 3 allows theaters to screen five shows a day during the first week of a film’s release, starting as early as 6 a.m. and extending until 2.30 am the following day. On weekends, national holidays and state holidays, theaters can screen up to six shows a day. However, the approval comes with one important caveat: exhibitors cannot charge additional premiums for these early-morning screenings.
EMS have long been a part of South Indian cinema culture. The trend gained momentum around 2010, driven by fan clubs of superstars such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi. Producer and distributor Ravindra AJ says, “These stars have built loyal followings over time. EMS is more than screenings; they are celebrations of cinema.”
Demand for early-morning screenings grew alongside multiplex culture and social media, although regulations vary across South Indian states.
The latest government order follows a request by Tamil Nadu theater owners’ associations, which met with the state government in October to seek the reinstatement of 6 a.m.screenings. Their proposal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay cited substantial revenue losses as a key concern.
Trade analyst Shreedhar Pillai explains, “Until two or three years ago, major films could be screened as early as 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.. These shows were later canceled in 2023 during the clash of ‘Varisu’ and ‘Thunivu’, when a 19-year-old fan died after being hit by a truck during celebrations. Today, Tamil films premiere in the US at 4 am Indian time, with reviews appearing on social media before 9 am—before audiences in Tamil Nadu, their primary market, have seen them.”
The situation in Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, is different. The 6.30 a.m. shows draw packed houses whenever a major film opens, while recent demands for 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. screenings have been restricted by law. Under Rule 41 of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act, cinemas cannot begin public screenings before 6:30 a.m.
Trade expert Ramesh Bala says, “Early-morning shows are fueled by fan enthusiasm, star appeal and the desire to see major films on release day. They help the industry meet initial demand, maximize opening-day revenue and capitalize on the buzz around major releases.”
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Ticket prices for major star-led releases at select multiplexes in Bengaluru, including PVR INOX and Cinepolis locations, can vary considerably. Premium formats and luxury seating can command higher prices, although Karnataka’s ticket-pricing regulations and exemptions for certain premium auditoriums need to be considered.
Pillai adds, “The Karnataka government tried its best to regulate ticket prices, but the Hindi film industry largely controls the state’s market. Bangalore is the main market for Kannada films and PVR owns most of the city’s screens, with a substantial total of 112 across Karnataka, allowing it to dictate terms as a market leader.”
In Andhra Pradesh, early-morning screenings are commonly referred to as ‘Benefit Shows’ or ‘Special Shows’. The state government regulates these screenings through official Government Orders (G.Os.), particularly for major releases.
For select blockbusters, the government has approved one-off 6 a.m. special premiere shows, with ticket prices capped at ₹600, inclusive of GST, in certain cases. It has also permitted temporary ticket-price increases for specified periods, including an additional ₹50 at single-screen cinemas and ₹100 at multiplexes, over the standard five-shows-a-day schedule.
Supporting such regulation, trade analyst Ramesh Bala warns, “Early-morning shows could lead to inflated prices, particularly for highly anticipated films, unless properly monitored. The government must ensure that additional screenings comply with existing ticket-pricing rules to protect audiences from exploitation.”
In Telangana, early-morning and odd-hour screenings have faced legal restrictions. The Telangana High Court has barred the state government from routinely approving 4 a.m. benefit or special shows, emphasizing the need to consider public health, safety and sleep schedules.
In Kerala, regular morning shows generally begin between 9 a.m.and 10 a.m., but special fan screenings for stars such as Mammootty and Mohanlal are sometimes scheduled as early as 6 a.m.. In some instances, local fan associations have organized screenings at midnight or even 3 am. Such shows require the necessary permissions and are not part of regular theatrical operations.
Ticket prices for major first-day-first-show screenings can also vary depending on the venue and format. Premium screens may charge considerably more than standard auditoriums. Ravichandra AJ adds, “Ticket prices soar in unregulated markets, yet many fans are willing to pay them.”
As the demand for early access to big-ticket releases continues to grow, the debate over premium pricing and the regulation of special screenings is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
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