Due to the theatre owners strike that went on for four days this week, many Tamil films which were earlier scheduled to hit the screens yesterday (July 7) have been postponed by a week. This has caused a box office rush as there are already a few films scheduled to release on Friday next (July 14) are going ahead with their release plans.

'Vikram Vedha' had to postpone its release from July 7th due to the strike. The film is most likely to release on July 14th though an official announcement is yet to come. This film starring Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi will be the biggest attraction, whenever it releases and it will be getting the lion's share of screens across the state.

Actor Krishna's 'Pandigai' which was scheduled to hit the screens on July 7th has been postponed to July 14th. The film is being released by Auraa Cinemas which has carved a niche as a distributing firm. So this film will also get a good number of screens.

Apart from these, Ashok Selvan-Priya Anand Starrer 'Kootathil Oruthan' and Atharvaa-Regina Cassandra starrer 'Gemini Ganesanum Suruli Rajanum', that were scheduled to hit the screens on July 14 will be hitting the screens on the day as announced. These films have also created a good buzz with their star casts and promotional teasers.

So it will be four major Tamil releases next week as things look now. One or two films may get postponed either voluntarily or due to some external reasons.

While four new Tamil releases after a dull week is certainly a good news for movie buffs and the fans there are various causes of concern. First of all it is a big question whether the Tamil Nadu Box office can accommodate four major films on a non-festival weekend. Even if a good number of theatres were given to all films, will they attract the audience that too when the ticket prices are hiked according to the GST rate is another big question.

Yesterday many single screen theatres and multiplexes reported a below par foot fall due to increased prices. The average footfall in theatres across TN has reportedly dipped by 40% in multiplexes and 60% in single screens. This is mainly because of the hike in ticket prices.. Rs.120/- ticket was hiked as Rs.153.60 after GST. Apart from this Rs.30/- for online booking meant that the moviegoer will have to shell out Rs.180 for movie.

However theatre owners have expressed hope that the movie goers will start coming to theatres in the weekend holidays and the dip in the collections on Friday may be due to lack of awareness about the withdrawal of theatre owners strike and also because that there was no new Tamil release yesterday.

We will have to wait for the next two or three days to asses what will be the effect of the post GST hike in movie ticket costs on next week's new releases.