To secure the continuation and expansion of the exhibition industry, the tamil Nadu Theatres & Multiplexes Association has made three main demands of the state government. Theater owners feel that these modifications are essential to maintaining foot traffic as OTT platforms gain traction and operating expenses increase.
1. Extend OTT Releases' Theatrical Window
At the moment, 28 days following their theatrical debut, tamil films can be found on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The group is advocating for an extension of this window to 56 days, claiming that box office receipts are being negatively impacted by rapid wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital debuts. Many fans wait for the OTT release and avoid theaters, particularly those who like to watch at home.
The problem is that lesser films won't have the luxury of waiting when blockbuster movies starring Rajinikanth, Vijay, or ajith are coming on OTT in four weeks. Producers struggling to recover costs in theatres can’t afford to reject lucrative OTT deals. So as of now this demand seems impractical.
2. Allow sports & Entertainment Screenings in Theatres
Theaters are asking for authorization to broadcast live entertainment events, such as IPL matches. This action might create a new source of income, particularly in lean times when there aren't any big movie releases planned. Theatre owners want to take advantage of cricket's enormous fan base to fill seats, and IPL screenings in theaters have proven to be profitable in the past.
3. Removal of local Body Entertainment Tax (LBET)
Inflating ticket costs and turning away potential customers, LBET has long been a financial burden on theater owners and patrons. According to the group, eliminating this tax will increase competition in ticket pricing and encourage more people to visit movie theaters. The tamil Nadu government is now the center of attention. Will they step in to help theaters compete with over-the-top streaming services and entice people to return to the big screen? The sector is awaiting a response.
At the moment, 28 days following their theatrical debut, tamil films can be found on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The group is advocating for an extension of this window to 56 days, claiming that box office receipts are being negatively impacted by rapid wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital debuts. Many fans wait for the OTT release and avoid theaters, particularly those who like to watch at home.
3. Removal of local Body Entertainment Tax (LBET)
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