The newly elected Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister MK Stalin was sworn in amidst high expectations in the city on Friday. Like several other sectors, the film industry, too, has pinned high hopes on the new government. Though theatres across the state had shut down their operations from April 26 this year, the
Kollywood
fraternity, including exhibitors, producers and others, are quite hopeful of the government bringing in some important reforms. Some of them have already met the new CM and wished him a fruitful governance.
Leading exhibitor Tirupur Subramanian says he is quite optimistic. “The way CM Stalin asked former CM EPS for his cooperation in the development of the state, gave me the hope that a healthy politics is going to happen in Tamil Nadu. I’m sure that the coming days under this government will be good for the cinema industry. Kalaignar Karunanidhi always ensured that the film industry was in good shape during his regime. He would participate in film events and encourage people in the industry. We are looking forward to such days. We will meet the CM once the current scenario across the country changes for the better and we will put forward a few requests.”
Producer CV Kumar, who had wished the CM after his victory through Twitter, hopes the new govt will waive the tax burden following the implementation of GST levied only in Tamil Nadu. He says, “The DMK govt has always been cinema-friendly. They have ensured in the past that Kollywood had a good time during their tenure. I hope the various concerns of exhibitors will be addressed positively by the government. Now that an actor like
Udhayanidhi
is also an elected member of the
Assembly
, it will only boost the prospects of the industry.”
SR Prabhu, vice president of Tamil Film Active Producers Association, says the government will give permission to create modifications to existing theatres, which will help achieve a new business model. He says, “The previous government gave a nod to hike ticket prices which was helpful to the industry. Similarly, this government, we hope, will allow single-screen owners to split their screens so as to release multiple films at the same time, which will lead to better occupancy as well. The government need not invest in this, they just have to support those who are ready to invest. Removal of LBET is another major expectation.”
Actor Vishal, who met the CM recently, informed through a press release that he apprised him of the current state of Nadigar Sangam. “I met and wished the chief minister. I also spoke to him about the present state of the
Nadigar Sangam
, and how, because of this, many artistes are struggling, unable to get their pension or buy medicines. The government is taking all the steps required in the current circumstances to protect ourselves from coronavirus. Once the situation is brought under control, the CM assured us that he would look into the issue and do the needful.”
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