Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan met Vijay Thalapathy at the TVK headquarters on Saturday to submit a six-point memorandum focused on the future of the Tamil film industry.
The meeting centred on issues affecting the regional entertainment sector, including the rapid expansion of OTT platforms, piracy, cinema hall business and production incentives.
One of the key proposals in the memorandum was the creation of a state-run OTT platform aimed at offering Tamil films, independent productions and documentaries to audiences at affordable prices.
According to Kamal Haasan, such a platform could help strengthen regional content while also giving smaller filmmakers a dependable space for distribution.
The actor also called for the removal of the current 4 per cent entertainment tax imposed by local authorities. He argued that the tax places additional financial pressure on producers, distributors and cinema hall owners, and said abolishing it could provide relief to the industry.
Piracy was another major issue raised during the meeting. Kamal Haasan said piracy continues to damage the work of thousands of artistes, technicians and producers. He proposed the formation of a dedicated anti-piracy unit under the Tamil Nadu Police cyber crime division, with authority to swiftly remove pirated content.
To support cinema halls struggling to maintain business, Kamal Haasan urged the government to allow five screenings per day in theatres. He also proposed an eight-week mandatory OTT window for all films released in Tamil Nadu, meaning films would not be allowed to stream online before completing eight weeks in cinemas.
According to him, such measures would provide exhibitors and distributors with a better chance of recovering financially.
The memorandum additionally included a proposal for a film production incentive scheme. Kamal Haasan said the initiative could help Tamil Nadu strengthen its position as one of India’s leading film production hubs while also boosting employment and tourism.
The meeting has also drawn political attention. Kamal Haasan’s party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, did not contest the Tamil Nadu assembly elections but remained an ally of the DMK alliance.
Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Vijay has emerged as one of the most discussed figures in Tamil Nadu politics following his electoral victory and appointment as Chief Minister.
The discussion has therefore generated interest not only within the film industry but also in the state’s evolving political landscape.
