The Producers Council has withdrawn their decision to stop the release of films from the 4th of September onwards, but has announced that they will go on strike on the 23rd of October, and no films will be released during that weekend. If the decision stands, then there will be no Diwali releases this year. The decision comes on the heels of the issues surrounding the release of Paayum Puli, which is now back on track to release on September 4. The president of the Council, Kalaipuli S Thanu, said that the Council had heeded requests from several quarters in the industry to not cancel the September 4 releases. He further announced that the Council would implement a few plans to revive the Tamil film Industry on the 23rd of October.
Thanu also said that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who create difficulties for a film immediately prior to its release. According to him, the issues with the Chengalpet area theatre owners had been plaguing the release of new films for a while. Details on the plan of action for the 23rd of October are awaited.
Earlier, the Theatre Exhibitors Association Secretary, Panneerselvam, had accused Thanu of threatening Rajinikanth for the dates of Kabali. Thanu had dismissed the statements as false accusations.