Tamil Nadu has approved expanded show timings for new Tamil films after a request from producers, distributors and theatre owners. The order permits up to six shows a day, including 6 AM screenings, during a film’s first week and on specified holidays.
Industry Seeks More Theatre Flexibility
Tamil Nadu’s film industry had asked the Vijay-led government to widen cinema screening hours. Theatre owners, producers and distributors said the existing schedule limited their ability to meet demand, particularly for major releases. Representatives discussed the proposal with Information and Publicity Minister A Rajmohan, seeking shows from 6 AM until 2 AM and more flexibility over daily screenings. Producer G Dhananjeyan said the wider schedule could add about 1,200 screenings across the state each day, an industry estimate.
Government Approves Six Shows for New Releases
The government has since issued an order expanding screenings for new Tamil films. The revised rules allow up to six shows daily from 6 AM until 2:30 AM the following day during a film’s first week. The same schedule can be used on weekends, local festival days and public holidays. The order followed requests from producer associations and the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association.
More Options for Audiences and Theatres
The new timings give moviegoers more opportunities to watch a release and let theatres schedule additional shows during busy periods. Early screenings have traditionally drawn fans for major openings, while late-night shows offer more flexibility. The expanded schedule may be especially useful for highly anticipated films, though each theatre’s programming will depend on local demand.
Earlier Allowance and Industry Impact
Before the latest change, the government had permitted five shows a day during the first seven days of a new film’s release. The new order raises the limit to six and extends the operating window to 2:30 AM. The industry argued that additional screenings could help meet opening-week demand and support theatre revenues. Tamil Nadu has now moved from considering the proposal to implementing expanded show timings; the 1,200-screenings figure remains Dhananjeyan’s estimate of the potential increase.
