Tamil cinema is in a danger zone: Actor Aari

Actor Aari has lashed out at various film bodies including Tamil Film Producers Council, Distributors Association, exhibitors etc. He did not spare the state government also while freely criticising its liqour policies. He criticised the movie industry associations and theatres for not supporting small films. 

The Maya actor, who took a short break from Cyclone Gaja relief work, was present at the audio launch of Dhoni Kabbadi Kuzhu and he said, “I appreciate producer Nandhakumar for making a film based on a sport belonging to Tamil culture and tradition. Earlier, actor Appu Kutty said that it’s nice to see the trailer of Dhoni Kabbadi Kuzhu without a single shot of ‘liquor’ in a scene. I am happy that the makers of this film didn’t bank on such scenes.” After a pause, he added sarcastically, “But Tamil Nadu Government is not shutting down TASMAC, because they depend on its huge income (smiles).”

Talking about TFPC, actor Aari said, “We were not happy with the previous regime of Tamil Film Producer Council and hence elected the new members. Nonetheless, it is disappointing to see that the new committee members haven’t done anything so far. After prolonged months of Kollywood strike, TFPC had announced that ticket rates will be reduced, online booking charges would be reduced and several promises made, which were to take place last June. But everything still remains unfulfilled till today.” 

Taking a dig at the present state of the film industry, he went on to say, “Before we start looking into the external politics, it’s better to talk about our very own issues inside the industry. These days, every film is facing problem during its release. Be it Vijay’s Sarkar to this Dhoni Kabadi Kuzhu, every movie has its own challenges while releasing. The main reason behind such issues is everyone’s selfish and that only their movies should have a successful run, but forget to care about the industry. There’s monopoly in Tamil cinema. There has been a bleak scenario for small budget movie releases due to big movies hitting the screens. Small films are not getting theatres and even if they get, only the daytime slot of 10.30 am is given. People may come for a Rajini, Vijay, Ajith movie in the morning bunking offices or colleges. But will anyone come for a small film? Why can’t the theatre owners give evening and night slots? We hear that two EC members (Udhaya and RK Suresh) who released their films recently resigned from TFPC. It shows only the irresponsible behaviour of all the associations and I wish they would work in tandem”

Aari concludes, “Our film industry is in a dangerous zone. If the situation continues, soon it will go into the hands of international and corporate companies. The advent of Amazon and Netflix and other online platforms has changed the aspects of movie watching experience. Audiences prefer to sit at home and watch movies rather than coming to theatres. If the decisions announced aren’t executed sooner, then it will lead to the eventuality of shutting down the theatres.”