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Tamil Films Face Release Halt Over OTT Window Dispute
22 Aug
Summary
- Tamil films may stop releasing from September 1.
- Producers and theatre owners disagree on 8-week OTT window.
- Government intervention sought in the escalating dispute.
Tamil Nadu's film industry is on the brink of a significant disruption, with theatrical releases potentially ceasing from September 1, 2026. This is due to an ongoing disagreement between film producers and theatre owners concerning the mandatory 8-week period before films can be released on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
The Tamil Film Producers Council has adopted a firm stance, indicating that no new Tamil films will be permitted theatrical release in the state if the dispute remains unresolved. Theatre owners and distributors are advocating for the longer OTT window to safeguard their box office revenues and allow films adequate time to perform commercially.
Producers, however, have not agreed to this eight-week condition, intensifying the standoff. In a significant escalation, producer bodies are also contemplating halting shooting and post-production work on Tamil films. The dispute has been escalated to the Tamil Nadu Film Minister and the Chief Minister, with the industry seeking their intervention to resolve the complex issue involving producers, distributors, and theatre owners.
