Tamil Nadu CM Vijay permits all theatres across state to screen 5 shows per day
Chennai, May 25
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S Joseph Vijay issued an order to permit all theatres across the state to screen five shows per day for seven days from the date of release of new Tamil films.
According to the statement, the representatives of the film industry met the CM to present their request to "permit all theatres across Tamil Nadu to screen five shows per day for all films."
In a post on X, the chief minister's office said, "On 16.05.2026, representatives of the film industry met the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, S. Joseph Vijay, and submitted various requests. One of their key demands was to permit all theatres across Tamil Nadu to screen five shows per day for all films."
"Under Rule 14-A of the 'C' Form licence conditions prescribed in the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, theatres in Tamil Nadu have been permitted to screen four shows per day. In addition, on local festival days or public holidays, one special extra show, making it five shows per day, has been permitted by the licensing authority/District Collector in the districts and by the Commissioner of Police in Chennai city," the CMO further said.
After the meeting, CM Vijay approved amendments to the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, to permit the "screen five shows per day for seven days from the release date of newly released Tamil films."
"After holding discussions regarding the requests submitted by members of the film industry, the Hon'ble Chief Minister has approved amendments to the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules. Accordingly, all theatres in Tamil Nadu will now be permitted to screen five shows per day for seven days from the release date of newly released Tamil films. Further, theatres will also be allowed to screen five shows per day on local festival days, public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays," read the statement.
"Chief Minister has also ordered that theatres across Tamil Nadu will no longer be required to obtain separate permission from the Government or the licensing authority to screen five shows per day during the first seven days of a new film's release, or on local festival days, public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays," the statement said.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay also congratulated the team of actors Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer 'Karuppu' after the film's strong performance at the box office. The film was released in theatres on May 15.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope the government also focuses on theatre maintenance and safety. Many local theatres in small towns are in terrible condition. More shows means more wear and tear. Let's not forget basic amenities like clean washrooms and proper seating! Just saying...
As a small theatre owner in Tirunelveli, this gives us hope! Earlier we had to run around for permissions for extra shows. Now automatic approval for first week and weekends - that's massive relief for us small players. CM Vijay is truly pro-cinema! 🙏🎥
Great step but I'm worried about what this means for workers. Already theatres run 4 shows with long hours. Adding a fifth means staff working till late night. Hope there are proper regulations on overtime pay and rest periods. Cinema lovers need to think about the people behind the screen too.
This is exactly what our industry needed! With OTT killing theatre culture, this move will encourage people to come back to cinemas. Especially for big releases like 'Karuppu' which needs all the screens it can get. Thalaiva Vijay understands the pulse of Tamil cinema! 🎉
To be honest, I love this but hope it doesn't lead to unhealthy competition or price hikes. Already ticket prices are high with taxes. More shows should mean more options at reasonable rates, not exploitation of audience. Let's see how the first week plays out for the new releases.
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