The levy of 10% entertainment tax without any major regulation of the prices of movie tickets was one of the main concerns raised at the 64th general body meeting of the Nadigar Sangam or the South India Artists Association, on Saturday.
Actor Vishal, who is the secretary of the association, appealed to the State government to withdraw the entertainment tax and said the government should not build a ‘manimandapam’ for the industry as with the high taxes, they would find it impossible to function. He further said that the vice-president of the Sangam, Karunas, who is also an MLA, was involved in talks with the government on the issue.
Following the imposition of additional taxes on movie tickets, the Producer’s Council had called for a halt on the release of Tamil films in theatres from Friday.
“This will result in a producer having to pay nearly 40% tax. We also strongly believe that movie goers should only have to pay the cost of the movie ticket and no further taxes and we are meeting Ministers and Secretaries of the departments concerned on Tuesday at the Secretariat, following which we hope for a favourable outcome for the industry,” he said, addressing the media following the meeting.
Mr. Vishal announced that the next elections for the Sangam would be held in September 2018.
He also said that the ‘Paandavar Ani’, helmed by actor Nassar and comprising himself, Karthi, Ponvannan and Mr. Karunas, would contest again.
Lifetime achievement
During the general body meeting, yesteryear actors Kanchana and Sheela were honoured with lifetime achievement awards.
While the completion of the new Nadigar Sangam building is expected towards the end of next year, the budget would have to be revised due to the Goods and Services Tax, the office- bearers said.
Association treasurer Mr. Karthi said that in a bid to raise more funds, they were planning a grand ‘star night’ in Malaysia on January 6, which will have dance and music performances, as well as sports matches.
“We have already asked Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth to be a part of the event. The association is also planning to mark the centenary year of MGR in a grand way,” he said.
While Mr. Vishal said that there had been no irregularities in the functioning of the association, Mr. Karunas said the association was ready to face any cases or legal action if necessary.
Last month, the Madras High Court had directed the Central Crime Branch police here to register a case if a cognisable offence is made out in a complaint lodged by R. Varaaki, a member of the Nadigar Sangam.
Mr. Varaaki had accused the office-bearers of the Sangam of various irregularities in conducting the star cricket match in April.
