After days of negotiation between the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Film Producers’ Council (TFPC) and other film associations, ticket rates have been revised for all theatres across the state. The Edappadi Palaniswami-led state government has also agreed to decrease the local body entertainment tax on Tamil films to 8% from the earlier 10%. With this, the strike imposed by TFPC on new releases stands withdrawn, allowing for the smooth release of Vijay’s Deepavali release Mersal.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Friday, TFPC President Vishal said that ticket prices have been revised. With the revision, multiplexes across Tamil Nadu can charge a maximum of Rs 150 and a minimum of Rs 50, AC single screens can charge a maximum of Rs 100 and a minimum of Rs 40, while non-AC single screens can charge a maximum of Rs 80 and a minimum of Rs 30.
In addition to this, GST and local body entertainment tax will be imposed. This means, film lovers will have to cough up Rs 204 (150 + 42 [28% GST] + 12 [8% local body tax]) for a Tamil movie ticket at a multiplex in Tamil Nadu. This price will increase further for any other film, given that the local body tax on non-Tamil movies is 20%. Expect to shell out Rs 222 for other language films at a multiplex in Tamil Nadu.
“We have asked the government to reconsider the 20% tax on other languages. They have said it is under consideration,” said Vishal. The TFPC President also urged film goers not to pay a single rupee over and above the rate of admission, stating that those charging over and above the revised rates could be brought to the attention of the authorities.
On October 7, the Tamil Nadu government had in a GO issued by the Home (Cinemas) Department, decided to increase the base fare of tickets in theatres across the state.
The ticket fare revision comes after ten years, with the state government earlier capping the maximum fare at Rs 120.
TFPC had decided not to release any new Tamil film from October 6 onwards, protesting the imposition of 10% local body entertainment tax, over and above GST. Among the films stalled were Dulquer Salmaan’s Solo and Dhansika’s Vizhithiru.