Tamil Nadu Government Imposes Restrictions on Early Morning Shows for Actor Vijay’s Film ‘Leo’ Amid Controversy
The release of actor Joseph Vijay’s highly anticipated film Leo has been marred by controversy and government restrictions. The Tamil Nadu government, citing law-and-order concerns, has denied permission for early morning shows since January 2023. However, in a bid to accommodate the high demand for Vijay’s film, the government issued an order allowing theaters to hold one extra show each day for six days starting October 19, with the first show scheduled for 9 a.m. Sensing an opportunity, Seven Screen Studio, the production company behind Leo, approached the Madras High Court seeking permission for a special 4 a.m. show on the day of the film’s release and for five shows a day from 7 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
The practice of early morning shows in Tamil Nadu has its roots in providing an opportunity for students and young office-goers to catch the first show of films featuring their favorite actors without taking a day off. It also became a unique celebration for fans, with television channels often reporting on the festivities surrounding the release of films starring big stars like Rajinikanth. These early morning shows presented a market anomaly as ticket prices were higher than the rates mandated by the State government, allowing distributors to charge a premium from fans willing to pay extra.
The introduction of digital cinema revolutionized the distribution of Tamil films, making it more affordable to reach audiences worldwide. However, this also meant that distributors and exhibitors needed to capitalize on the initial few days of a film’s release before potential negative reviews affected its box office performance.
Distributors estimate that a film featuring a big star could generate between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore per special show. For Leo, it was anticipated that distributors could have made ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore from special shows alone if 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. screenings were permitted. Consequently, in the absence of special shows, the film’s producer sought a higher share in revenue from theaters.
Over the years, there have been reports of theaters selling tickets at exorbitant prices, unruly behavior by fans, and resulting traffic issues. These incidents, combined with a tragic fan death and concerns about public safety during simultaneous releases of films starring Vijay and Ajith, prompted the State government to regulate early morning shows. The Home Secretary, P. Amudha, explained the government’s decision, highlighting the potential for overcrowding, traffic congestion, and the need for increased security if shows were allowed to start before 9 a.m. Some theaters still sold tickets for as much as ₹1,000 for the first show of Leo, despite the government’s directive.
The future of special shows in Tamil Nadu appears bleak following this setback. However, industry insiders remain hopeful that the state government will address their long-standing demand for flexible ticket pricing. Such a move could meet fans’ desire for first shows while also boosting government tax revenues.
In conclusion, the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to restrict early morning shows for Leo has exposed the ingenious measures taken by exhibitors and distributors in the film industry to overcome government regulations. The controversy surrounding early morning shows highlights the unique phenomenon in Tamil Nadu and raises questions about ticket pricing, fan celebrations, and public safety concerns.
