The ongoing dispute between Tamil film producers and theatre owners over the OTT release window has now raised concerns across the Kollywood film industry. The Film Employees’ Federation of South India (FEFSI) has urged the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) to reconsider their decision to halt work and new Tamil film releases from September 1. FEFSI has also appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to intervene and help find a solution. The federation warned that the proposed stoppage could have its biggest impact on daily-wage workers and regular film crews whose livelihoods depend on continued production activity.
FEFSI Urges Producers To Reconsider Work Stoppage
FEFSI has written to the TFPC and TFAPA, urging them to reconsider the proposed work stoppage and suspension of new Tamil film releases from September 1. The federation pointed out that stopping production, shooting and other film-related activities could severely affect thousands of workers across the industry. The federation has therefore appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and the concerned government authorities to mediate and help the stakeholders arrive at a solution without affecting workers.
The proposed shutdown comes amid a dispute between producers, distributors and theatre owners over the OTT release window. Theatre owners and distributors have reportedly sought assurances that films released in cinemas will arrive on streaming platforms within an eight-week window.
The producers’ organisations have opposed the demand, pointing out that such a practice is not followed in neighbouring film industries including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. They have also criticised the move as a condition being imposed on producers without adequate consultation.
OTT Window Dispute Threatens Industry Activity
The producers’ bodies have mentioned about the financial difficulties already faced by the Tamil film industry. With around 250 films reportedly releasing every year, several producers struggle to complete projects and secure theatrical releases. They have also mentioned that even large-scale films involving investments of hundreds of crores depend substantially on distributor payments, which have traditionally formed part of the industry’s business model.
The producers’ associations revealed that theatre owners and distributors should not introduce conditions that directly affect producers and their financial planning without consulting them. In their statement, they said, “Therefore, when the Distributors Association and the Theatre Owners Association take a decision about the producers without consulting them, we cannot accept it.”
The proposed stoppage would extend beyond the release of new films. Shooting and post-production work on Tamil films are also expected to be halted from September 1, potentially bringing several projects to a standstill.