CM Vijay amends six-decade-old 4-show rule — Tamil films can now run 5 shows per day for first 7 days of release; festival and weekend 5-show rule also approved

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S Joseph Vijay issued an order permitting all theatres across the state to screen five shows per day for seven days from the date of release of new Tamil films.

The decision follows a meeting held on May 16 between the Chief Minister and representatives of the Tamil film industry, where key concerns regarding revenue, theatrical sustainability and audience demand were discussed.

Under the existing Tamil Cinema (Regulation) Rules, 1957, theatres were permitted to run four regular shows, with an additional "special show" allowed only during festival or government holidays.

With the new directive, movie theatres are also allowed to run five daily shows on local festival days, public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year.

The Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules have been amended, completely removing the need to seek separate permissions or licensing approvals for running five daily shows — streamlining the process for theatre operators.