Actors address theatre drama

The Tamil film industry is reeling under GST and state tax pressures, with theatres in TN being shut down for the third consecutive day. Only trade bodies have been fighting out the issue, with the exception of ace Kamal Haasan, who is voicing out and making bold remarks on the state government.  

Many, including T. Rajhendar, and actor Vivekh raised questions as to why other big stars like Rajinikanth, Vijay, Ajith, Suriya, and Dhanush hadn’t opened their mouths on the subject. The lone top filmmaker who has raised his voice was Shankar, whose big budget sci-fi film, 2.O, is about to hit the marquee. He says, “Forty-eight to 58 per cent is too much tax! Save Tamil cinema.” (sic)
Despite the TFPC honchos, theatre owners and other important members of the film fraternity have been meeting the government officials, during the last three days.

Comedian Vivekh, who is vocal about many things, made his thoughts clear through his social media handle. “If the top stars and big movie producers do not come out and speak against local entertainment tax of 30 per cent (levied by the State government) then the voices of small-time producers would be crushed,” he pointed out.

Finally, Superstar, who is away in the US for his medical check-up, broke his silence through his Twitter handle, on Wednesday.

The Enthiran star tweeted, “Keeping in mind the livelihood of lakhs of people in the Tamil film industry, I sincerely request TN Govt to seriously consider our plea.” (sic)

Replying to Rajini’s comments, Kamal responded, “Thanks Rajni avargalay, for voicing your concern. Let’s request first as gentlemen should. Then we shall see. @superstarrajini & TN.Govt.”

Meanwhile, Kamal’s reported comments against the state government have stirred up yet another controversy.

Reacting on the double taxation by the state, Haasan said in a statement, “Filmmaking in TN has been made difficult deliberately. There are further tortures and systemic corruption that the film industry has to endure under this regime.”

Kamal had stated that except Tamil Nadu, other neighbouring southern states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana had desisted from levying additional tax on cinema over and above GST. He added further, “Earlier, Bihar used to be the nation’s whipping boy, when it came to corruption. Now, TN has left Bihar’s leagues behind! the film industry is one among the many, that is asphyxiated by the prevailing systemic corruption in the state.”

Yet another producer Sashikanth of Y Not Studios, whose Vikram Vedha had to be postponed because of the prevailing instability, questioned the state government’s attitude and openly stated, “This government simply wants to hold the industry and the producers at ransom, so they can extract their pound of flesh as bribes with the pretext of giving tax exemption, at the time of release. This systemic plunder has to end.”

He added, “I appeal to all, with a voice, especially the stars among us, who will be able to propagate the truth to the people — faster and wider, to come out with your opinions in a much more concerted way and address this issue in the best possible manner you deem fit. But, your voice needs to be heard loud and clear — now more than ever!”

‘Make Kamal Haasan CM for a day’

Premam director Alphonse Puthran posted on his Facebook page, “If there is an option like in Mudhalvan film to appoint a chief minister for a day, I think Kamal Haasan should be given a day for caring for Tamil Nadu. Just one day would do. I hope it happens soon. He would take government to the next level with his innovative ideas. This is just my wish. Please forgive this child if I have said something wrong.”