Tamil Film Body Issues Diktat For New Projects, Dhanush At Center Of Storm - Controversy Explained

The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) has announced to temporarily halt the commencement of all new movie projects from August 16 and halt all film-related activities from November 1. The aim behind this move is to clear the backlogs of the movies stuck in various filming stages. Also, to check the rising cost of the production due to actor remuneration and other expenses. Owing to this, Dhanush, who has several films in the pipeline, has suffered a blow.

Why did TFPC halt the commencement of new projects from August 16?

A meeting was held in Chennai recently where office bearers from Tamil Film Producers’ Council, Tamil Film Producers’ Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Tamil Nadu Theatre Multiplex Owners Association, and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors’ Association were gathered together to discuss the situation. At the meeting, an issue was raised that actors and technicians "abandon" projects after receiving advance payment. This causes producers significant losses. So with the new law passed by TFPC, the artist and technicians will have to complete the project and then only they can move on to another.

Why was Dhanush's name cropped up in the meeting?

The production company, Sri Thenandal Films, claimed that Dhanush had taken advance from them and never came to shoot the movie. Owing to this, now council has asked all the producers to approach them before roping the actor in any new project. Sri Thenandal Films in their statement wrote, "In the situation where Dhanush has received advance payments from several producers, the producers are requested to consult the Tamil Film Producers Association before starting work on new films starring actor Dhanush.”

For the unversed, Dhanush is recently being seen in Raayan which released on July 26. Next, he has Kubera, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. He also has Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam in which he is serving as a producer.

OTT release timeline

During the meeting, they also discussed and finalised a fixed timeline for all the Tamil films to release on OTT after theatrical release. Now, all the new films will release on OTT 8 weeks after the theatrical release. This is to ensure long box office runs and that the theatrical business of big-budget movies doesn't die.

Producers to formally inform the TFPC of the details of their ongoing projects

Owing to the congestion of completed movies awaiting the theatrical release. The TFPC has issued new guidelines. Among which is now producers will have to formally inform them of the details of their ongoing projects via an official letter. They have also asked the producers to complete all the ongoing projects by October 30 this year.

Why did TFPC halt all film-related activities from November 1?

The council has halted film-related activities from November 1, such as shooting, to maintain the financial health of the Tamil film industry. They will restructure and regulate expenditures related to production expenses and actors' salaries.