While the strike called by the Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council – to protest the Virtual Print Fee charged by the DSPs – enters the fifth day, work on a few films, including the AR Murugadoss directorial Thalapathy 62, is taking place with permission from the TFPC. The strike, which came into effect on March 16, effectively shut down production and other related film work across the state.
Durai Raj, Secretary of the TFPC, has said in an audio statement that four film crews have obtained permission to wrap up their ongoing schedules. “Earlier, while planning the strike, we’d decided to give permission to those who wanted to complete shooting their portions. We had stopped all work on March 16, but we received letters from Sun TV [for Thalapathy 62] 18th Cross Pictures, who had put up a set on ECR and wanted to finish shoot, Anto Joseph for Kannum Kannum Kollaiadithal, and the crew of Nadodigal 2. For the Sun TV project, a stunt master from Hyderabad is here along with his crew, and as his dates won’t be available till next month, we decided to let them work.”
The TFPC’s decision to allow a few movies to continue their schedules has met with some criticism within the industry – especially from other producers.
Actor #Vijay ‘s shooting is happening now at Victoria Hall. Where is our unity? How can our council give spl permission? I strongly oppose this decision. Don’t split up.
— J Satish Kumar (@JSKfilmcorp) March 20, 2018
Durai Raj adds in the audio clip, “We have extended permission to honour their existing schedules, and to make sure the producers don’t incur losses. This not some kind of a special treatment given only to a few.”
