The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has taken a strong stance on pressing industry issues, particularly the new rules regarding OTT releases and theatre operations. Recent demands from theatre owners and distributors have sparked controversy as they attempt to dictate the timeline for when films should be released on OTT platforms.
8-Week OTT Rule Explained
The core issue revolves around a new stipulation introduced by cinema theatre owners, which mandates that movies can only be released on OTT platforms eight weeks after their theatrical debut. According to a report by Daily Thanthi, theatre owners have warned of unrest if any film fails to comply with this policy. Currently, most films are released on OTT within four weeks, allowing producers to recover their investments more quickly. The TFPC has strongly opposed this eight-week rule, stating that forcing producers to sign such agreements is unfair and unacceptable.
Producers Unite Across States
The issue is not limited to Tamil cinema alone. Producers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala are also joining forces to address this matter. A major meeting has been scheduled for May 10, 2026, where a joint decision will be taken. There are discussions that if the issue remains unresolved, producers may halt film releases across all four states from a fixed date. This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the growing unity among producers.
Strike Warning and Revenue Sharing Model
The TFPC has also announced other significant steps to protect producers' interests. They have proposed a revenue-sharing model where actors and technicians would work based on profit shares instead of receiving high upfront salaries. A token strike has been planned for May 2 to draw attention to their demands. Additionally, the TFPC warned that any producer who signs OTT agreements without informing the council will not receive industry support.
Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes and does not reflect final official policies until imposed by the respective state film chambers.
