NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
CHENNAI, JAN 10
It’s bitter Pongal for Tamil cinephiles as well as exhibitors across Tamil Nadu. While they have been overwhelmed like never before in recent times as Ajith’s ‘Thunivu’ and Vijay’s ‘Varisu’ are releasing on the same day on Wednesday, January 11 no movie hall should screen the films at 4 am and 5 am from January 13 to 16 as per a Tamil Nadu Government order.
The dream merchants have been pinning high hopes on minting cash on the first few days of the release.
- As per the GO, no movie hall should screen the films at 4 am and 5 am from January 13 to 16
- The guideline instructs exhibitors not to encourage erecting huge cutouts of actors in theatre premises
- A strict warning has also been issued against collecting extra amounts for film tickets from moviegoers
The booking for both the movies across the state opened a few days ago and many shows which have been scheduled for early morning in the first five days have been filling fast. However, the state government has come up with an unexpected announcement, leaving moviegoers shocked.
According to a GO issued by the govt, the department of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management has come up with a few guidelines which exhibitors must strictly follow. As per their instructions, no movie hall should screen the films at 4 am and 5 am from January 13 to 16.
Bookings open for Pongal ❤️ @agscinemas Day one was sold out in almost all screens within minutes for #Varisu and #Thunivu 🙌🏼❤️What a way to start the new year with Vijay Sir and Ajith Sir movies opening together at the BO ❤️ #BoxOfficeKings pic.twitter.com/55S7AKC7YO
— Archana Kalpathi (@archanakalpathi) January 9, 2023
However, they haven’t mentioned the exact reason for choosing these four days to stop theatres from exhibiting ‘Thunivu’ and ‘Varisu.’ The guideline has also instructed exhibitors not to encourage erecting huge cutouts of actors in theatre premises. They are also asked to discourage activities like ‘paal abhishekam.’ A strict warning has also been issued against collecting extra amounts for film tickets from moviegoers.
However, the GO has been facing harsh reactions from cinephiles. They wonder why the concerned department hasn’t taken any action in stopping theatres from selling tickets for extra rates on the first day of release. They are also upset with the logic behind asking theatres not to screen movies at 4 am and 5 am on selected dates.
Exhibitors are yet to react on how they are going to refund money to those who have already booked tickets for morning shows on those dates.
