Protesting against the levy of 10% Entertainment tax on new Tamil films there will be no new releases front his Friday (October 6). Tamil Film Producers Council President Vishal made this announcement on Tuesday night after conducting a meeting with all the producers who are members of the council. 

This means all the film scheduled to hit the screens on or after October 6th will not be released until the strike is withdrawn. The strike will be withdrawn only if a favorable response comes from the State Government regarding the repeal of the new tax levied by local bodies in excess of GST which is 28% for tickets above Rs.100 and 18% for tickets upto below Rs.100. 

This is a huge blow to films such as the multi-starrer 'Vizhithiru', Dulquer Salman's 'Solo' and Ilaiyaraja musical 'Kalathur Gramam' as these films were scheduled to hit the screens this Friday. They had also started promotions. 

The strike may also severely affect the industry at large if it continues till Diwali festival which is around the corner. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of the country that festival season is the best season to release new films. Thalapathy Vijay's 'Mersal', Sasikumar's 'Kodi Veeran' and Nayanthara's 'Arram' are expected to hit the screens for the grand festival of lights but if the strike continues till October 18th, these biggies will have to be postponed. 

We hope such a situation does not occur and the Government as well as the industry stakeholders find a lasting solution to the issue. Vishal has said they will be meeting today also and they will announce their next decision by this evening.