With the State government purportedly agreeing to look into the demand of a possible rollback of local body tax, the theatre owners’ association has agreed to reopen theatres in Tamil Nadu.
However, it is going to take a while before new Tamil releases hit the screen as the strike called by the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) continues.
Speaking to reporters, exhibitor and distributor Abirami Ramanathan said the State government had agreed to look into issues raised by theatre owners.
“We spoke to Ministers and they have promised us that they will favourably look into our petition. Based on their assurances, we have decided to reopen our theatres,” said Mr. Ramanathan.
When asked specifically about local body tax, he said, “The Ministers have said they will do what can be done.”
After the producers called a strike against the virtual print fee from March 1, the industry is struggling to resolve the issue.
TFPC treasurer S. R. Prabhu said the producers council was in talks with distributors and theatre owners over several issues, such as computerisation of movie tickets, VPF and others. Actor Vishal, who is the president of the TFPC, had reiterated the need for seriously working towards bringing people back into the theatres, he said.
“We have clearly said that we will not be paying the VPF anymore to the distributors and theatre owners. We will have more talks,” said Mr. Prabhu.
