It is day 2 and over a 1000 movie theatres across Tamil Nadu remain shutdown in solidarity against the proposed state tax of 30%, over and above the GST. Films like 

Ivan Thanthiran and Yaanum Theeyavan which looked like it could bring in some positive response have been abruptly cut short due to this strike. Speaking exclusively to MovieCrow, director of Ivan Thanthiran R. Kannan said,

"I was shocked that the tax rates have gone up and felt terrible that that the theatres have to be shutdown for this reason. The film fraternity's collective decision to not release any big movies in the upcoming week has given me some hopes though. My movie should be able to do some good business then.."

Many directors like Kannan have voiced their opinions about how this current scenario is affecting their movies. Prasanth.G.Sekar whose small budget film Yaanum Theeyavan was meticuluosly planned, wrote in detail on his social media page: 

"It has been a struggling journey from all corners for the #YaanumTheeyavan Team. The crew had spent more than 2 years for this movie and had to wait another year just to get it out in theatres. 

Finally, We had a ray of hope, The time seemed right. A date with good number of theatres with just 2 other movies planned to release alongside. But due to GST effect, more than 8 movies took the June 30th date towards the last few days. We had a hit on the screen count, however our confidence on the movie took us forward. 

Now, it all finishes with just 3 days of screening in theatres, due to the theatres shutdown against the taxation. 

Despite the numerous challenges and hurdles, So many young ppl have invested their hard work, efforts, ideas, money on this movie and managed to deliver a decent and apprecaitive movie. Their lives and future depends on this project. 

This is unfair and we don't deserve to be punished like this on every step we take. Do support us in this difficult times. Don't watch any movie online and encourage piracy. LYou have showered your love & support throughout. We expect the same to continue. 

#YaanumTheeyavan #TamilCinema needs your support

#SaveTamilCinema"

Even the business of films like Maragatha Naanayam

which has been running in theatres for the last 20 days has been cut abruptly due to this unforeseen circumstance. Will the state government intervene and take a cinema-saving decision is something only time can tell.