TN govt allows five shows a day for new Tamil films for first seven days

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt has amended theatre regulation rules to permit five shows a day in all cinemas across the state for newly released Tamil films on the first seven days.The order was issued by chief minister C Joseph Vijay following representations made by members of the film industry during a meeting held on May 16.At present, under Rule 14-A of the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, theatres are allowed to screen four regular shows a day. A fifth “special show” is permitted only on local festival days or public holidays with approval from district collectors or, in Chennai, the city police commissioner. The govt has issued a GO to approve the fifth show. After consultations on the industry’s request, the govt amended the rules to allow five daily shows without requiring separate permission for the first seven days from the release of new Tamil films, local festival days, public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.The govt said theatre owners would no longer have to obtain separate approval from licensing authorities or the state govt for screening the additional show during these periods.