The Film Federation of India (FFI), the apex organization of various industry bodies of Indian cinema, has called for a daylong token strike across the country on February 23, to protest the service tax imposed by the Central government.

President of Tamil Film Producers Council SA Chandrasekaran has offered Kollywood's support to the FFI's decision and said the TFPC would extend its solidarity to the strike on February 23.

“There is no denying that the entire Indian film industry is in deep trouble because of various taxes it is subjected to, and the imposition of service tax will further increase its burden. This blackout aims to show the government how much producers are suffering,” said Vinod Lamba, president, FFI.

According to Supran Sen, secretary general, FFI, said, "This is a token strike where we propose to keep the theatres closed for a day, just to show our solidarity. If it doesn't work, we will take a decision whether we should go on an indefinite strike."