Folks in Chennai can now watch last year’s blockbuster films like Vikram Vedha and Mersal again in theatres. Even films like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and Sketch that came way before them are being screened again.
Following differences between south Indian film industries and Digital Service Providers (DSPs), Tamil and Telugu film industries have announced an indefinite strike.
While no new films will hit the screens in the coming weeks, theatres are now playing old blockbusters and even films that didn't have a good run in theatres.
From old MGR classics like Enga Veetu Pillai and Adimaipenn to Suriya’s recent Thaana Serndha Kootam, several films are sets to play in multiplexes to keep the crowds engaged.
Some of the films that will be shown again are Aval, Meesaya Murukku, Oru Nalla Naal Pathu Solren, Ajith’s Vedaalam, 1981 classic Meendum Kokila, Gulaebaghavali, Mannar Vagaiyara, 2014 thriller Yaazh, Yenda Thalaiyila Yenna Vekkala, amongst others.
The strike may affect several big releases in Tamil. There about 50 movies in the pipeline for the next three months, including Rajinikanth's Kaala, Vishal’s Irumbu Thirai, and Sai Pallavi's Karu.
What is the strike about?
According to the four film industries, the DSPs who deliver content straight to theatres via satellite for digital projection, charge rates that are too high. DSPs such as Qube and UFO are believed to charge around Rs 22,500 per screen for digital projection. This includes the cost of hiring and delivery of content via digital distribution in theatres.
While Tamil and Telugu film industries have gone on indefinite strike, Malayalam and Kannada will see a one day shut down.
The last round of talks between the south Indian film industries and the DSPs was held on February 23 in Bengaluru. This was the third time that the two parties were meeting to find a resolution. However, the talks ended without them reaching an agreement.