Kamal Haasan urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to implement an eight-week OTT release gap, anti-piracy measures, tax reforms, and film incentives to strengthen theatres, distributors, and the Tamil film industry while boosting cinema production and exhibition across the state.
A major discussion surrounding the future of the Tamil film industry emerged after veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan met newly appointed Vijay and presented a set of key demands aimed at strengthening cinema exhibition and film production in Tamil Nadu.
During the meeting, Haasan strongly advocated for a mandatory eight-week gap between theatrical releases and OTT streaming premieres for all films released in the state. According to the actor, such a policy would provide crucial support to theatre owners and film distributors who are facing increasing pressure from the rapid growth of digital streaming platforms.
The veteran actor shared details of the meeting and the proposals through his official social media account. He explained that the demands were designed to protect the long-term interests of the Tamil film industry while also encouraging new investments and audience engagement in theatres.
Among the most significant proposals was the creation of a Tamil Nadu Government-owned OTT platform. Haasan stated that the platform could become a dedicated space for Tamil audiences to access regional cinema, independent productions, and documentary films. The initiative, he argued, would help preserve and promote Tamil-language content while giving filmmakers an alternative digital distribution system.
Another important demand focused on removing the existing four percent local body entertainment tax imposed on films. Haasan suggested that abolishing the tax would reduce the financial burden on theatre operators and improve the overall business environment for cinema exhibitors across the state.
The actor also called for stronger anti-piracy measures through the Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Department. He proposed the formation of a specialized anti-piracy unit with powers to conduct real-time takedowns of illegally distributed film content online. Piracy has remained a persistent challenge for the Indian film industry, often impacting box office revenues shortly after a movie’s release.
In addition, Haasan requested permission for theatres to screen up to five shows daily for all films in Tamil Nadu. He argued that increasing the number of screenings would improve theatre revenues and help the exhibition sector recover from financial setbacks experienced in recent years.
The proposals further included a film production incentive scheme offering support equivalent to ten percent of a project’s budget for Indian films completing more than half of their shooting schedule within Tamil Nadu. Haasan emphasized that such incentives could help restore the state’s reputation as one of India’s leading film production hubs.
Following the meeting, Haasan praised the Chief Minister for sharing his vision for Tamil Nadu’s future. He noted that the interaction reflected warmth, humility, and a commitment toward development.
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Earlier this month, after Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister on May 10, Haasan had publicly congratulated him and expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu would progress under his leadership. The latest meeting now signals possible policy-level discussions that could shape the future of the Tamil entertainment industry in the coming years.
