FEFSI urges Tamil Nadu film producers to reconsider September 1 work stoppage

The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) has appealed to Tamil Nadu film producers and the state government to reconsider a planned industry-wide shutdown scheduled for September 1. The proposed stoppage, initiated by the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, includes halting all film shootings, post-production, and new theatrical releases.

The dispute stems from a disagreement regarding the OTT release window. Theatre owners and distributors are reportedly demanding that films reach streaming platforms within eight weeks of their theatrical release, a requirement producers argue is inconsistent with practices in neighboring states like Kerala and Karnataka.

FEFSI warned that the shutdown would cause a “major shock” to the industry, severely impacting the livelihoods of thousands of daily-wage workers, technicians, and crew members who depend on continuous production for their sustenance. The federation has called for tripartite talks involving the government to reach an amicable resolution.