Tamil Theatre Owners To Request Producers For Extended Theatrical Run Before OTT Releases

The general body meeting of the Theatre Owners’ Association, scheduled for today, is stirring discussions within the Tamil film industry. Reports indicate that the association is advocating for Tamil film producers to adopt the OTT release model. A key point of discussion will be urging producers to release new movies on OTT platforms only after an 8-week theatrical run. This proposal comes in the wake of the announcement by the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) to halt Malayalam movie releases after February 22.

The Theatre Owners’ Association is expected to press for a mandatory 8-week gap between theatrical and OTT releases, equivalent to 42 days. Failure to comply may lead to measures akin to the planned strike by Kerala theatre owners starting February 22. Bharathiraja, President of the Producers’ Association, has reciprocated by requesting the Theatre Owner’s Association to lower ticket fees for small-budget films. This request will be a focal point in today’s meeting convened at the Green Park Hotel.

Previously, the association had proposed that producers claim only 60 per cent of box office revenue for new releases and demanded a 10 per cent royalty for OTT screenings, emphasising that movies are primarily intended for theatrical exhibition.

Meanwhile, in the Malayalam film industry, FEUOK’s unexpected announcement of a halt in screenings after February 22 has exacerbated tensions between producers and theatre owners. Disputes over breach of agreements and revenue sharing have reached an impasse, with FEUOK accusing producers of violating the 42-day release window and demanding a reduced share of theatre revenue, from 66 per cent to 55 per cent.

FEUOK has alleged that producers are favouring multiplexes by limiting single-screen theatre screenings. Despite this standoff, films currently in theatres will continue to be screened, with the Film Chamber expressing surprise at FEUOK’s unilateral decision regarding February 22.

The situation underscores the complexities within the film industry, with stakeholders grappling to find common ground amidst evolving distribution models and revenue-sharing arrangements.