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Tamil Film Industry Faces Shutdown Over OTT Window Dispute
24 Aug
Summary
- Tamil producers announced a shutdown starting September 1.
- The shutdown is a response to a new eight-week OTT release window demand.
- Shooting and post-production work will also halt from the specified date.
The Tamil film industry is facing a complete shutdown starting September 1, as producer councils announced an indefinite halt to new film releases. This decision stems from a dispute with theatre owners and distributors over the mandatory eight-week theatrical window before films can be released on OTT platforms. Currently, films are released on OTT four weeks after their theatrical debut.
Producers argue that this unilateral decision by theatre owners and distributors significantly impacts their financial stability and business practices. The Tamil Film Producers Council stated that critical conditions like the proposed eight-week OTT window and the withholding of advance payments were never discussed with producer associations. Consequently, producers have resolved not to release new films until a consensus is reached.
The shutdown will extend beyond theatrical releases, encompassing all shooting and post-production activities. This move threatens to bring a substantial portion of the Tamil film industry to a standstill, affecting thousands of livelihoods. The producers' bodies have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government for intervention to resolve the escalating dispute.
