New Delhi:Actor Vijay, who is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has announced a major relief to newly released films in the state. The announcement comes days after a few members of the Tamil film industry spoke about ways to improve theatrical business in Kollywood and increase cinema revenue along with OTT earnings.
In a new update, the Tamil Nadu government has now allowed the theatres across the state to screen five shows a day for the newly released films during their first week. The rule will also be applicable during festivals, weekends and public holidays.
Vijay: What are the new rules in Chennai for movies?
Vijay’s official statement was issued on his Chief Minister X (formerly Twitter) handle. The film industry members met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr C. Joseph Vijay on 16.5.2026 and presented various demands. The note was originally issued in Tamil. “They mainly wanted that all the films should be screened in theatres all over Tamil Nadu for five screenings a day,” among them.
Condition 14-A of the Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatres (Regulation) Rules, 1957, allowed theatres to run only four shows a day. Extra screening was allowed only during local festivals or public holidays and only on approval from district authorities or the Chennai Police Commissioner.
But now the state government has made a tweak in the rule after discussions with representatives of the industry. The official note further stated, “The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, on considering the request made by the film industry, has amended the Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatres (Regulation) Rules. Hence, all cinema theatres in Tamil Nadu are allowed five screenings in a day for seven days from the date of release of newly released Tamil films and five screenings in a day on local festivals and public holidays. Sundays and Saturdays.”
The statement also clarified that theatre owners and producers will not need special permission from government authorities or licensing officers for the inclusion of the extra shows. The move is likely to reduce the last-minute confusion regarding show timings and ticket bookings, especially during major releases.
Vijay thanked theatre owners
Several theatre owners and fans thanked Vijay for the move soon after the announcement. In a note posted on X, Rohini Silver Screens said, “Our sincere thanks to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. C. Joseph Vijay avl., for positively considering our representation and enabling five shows for all newly released films for seven consecutive days from release, as well as on all weekends and public holidays, without the requirement of any additional G.O. or special permission. This is going to be a huge boost for the film exhibition segment and will be of benefit to the audiences across Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, which has been delayed for a long time, is set to release June 19 as per ticketing platforms.
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