Kamal Haasan demands mandatory 8-week OTT window from Tamil Nadu CM Vijay
Mumbai, May 16
Kamal Haasan paid a visit to the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and demanded a mandatory 8-week OTT window for all the projects releasing in the state.
The 'Indian' actor argued that this will help the theatre owners and distributors to sustain themselves in the competitive business.
Haasan took to his official X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle and shared a list of the 6 demands he presented in front of the CM for the betterment of the Tamil film industry.
"The demands were as follows:
1. Launch of Tamil Nadu Government OTT Platform - State-owned OTT platform where Tamil audiences can access Tamil cinema, independent films and documentaries.
2. Abolition of the local body entertainment tax levied at 4%.
3.Formation of a strong anti-piracy team within the Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Department to protect Tamil cinema with powers to enforce real time takedowns of pirated content.
4.Permission for 5 shows per day for all films in Tamil Nadu. This will improve theatre revenues and support the recovery of the film exhibition sector.
5. Mandatory 8 week OTT window for all films released in Tamil Nadu - enabling theatre owners and distributors to sustain themselves.
6.To introduce a film production incentive scheme to 10% of the budget for Indian films that complete more than 50% of their shooting in Tamil Nadu. This will restore Tamil Nadu as India's leading film production hub (sic)."
Haasan's latest Tweet further included the caption, "Today, I met in person with the Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay @TVKVijayHQ, and conveyed my best wishes. He enthusiastically shared many dreams for the betterment of Tamil Nadu. The humility and affection he displayed during the meeting filled me with pride."
Refreshing your memory, after Vijay's swearing-in ceremony as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, Haasan had posted a congratulatory note on social media, wishing that the state of Tamil Nadu 'shine under the leadership' of his 'brother' Thiru Vijay.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kamal Haasan is a legend, but these demands feel a bit too much. A state-owned OTT platform? That will cost crores to maintain. And 5 shows per day? That's just unrealistic for most single-screen theatres. I respect the intent, but the execution needs serious thought. Otherwise, it's just another wishlist that will gather dust.
Finally, someone is talking about anti-piracy measures! The way Tamil movies get leaked within hours of release is criminal. Real-time takedowns and a dedicated cyber cell could really help. But let's be honest - the 10% incentive scheme is just a way for big production houses to get more subsidies. Small filmmakers won't see a penny of that.
Interesting move from Kamal Haasan. As someone who's been following Indian cinema from abroad, I think an 8-week OTT window might actually hurt the industry internationally. Many NRIs like me prefer watching films on OTT platforms since theatres here don't always get South Indian releases. The state OTT platform idea is innovative though - could be a game-changer for regional content.
I appreciate Kamal Haasan's dedication to Tamil cinema, but I have mixed feelings about the 8-week OTT window. On one hand, it protects theatre owners who invested heavily. On the other, it feels like punishing audiences who prefer watching at home. Also, why should the government spend taxpayers' money on a separate OTT platform when there are already good ones like Prime and Hotstar? 🤷
Yes! 5 shows per day will
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.