The show timings and the number of shows allowed to screen in movie theaters of Tamil Nadu, has piqued the curiosity of many in recent times owing to the orders from Tamil Nadu (TN) government, that are often mistaken for targetting a particular star or actor. For years the TN government has been strict about the number of shows allowed to screens in cinema halls which is a total 4 during 6 days of the week i.e. Monday to Saturday. These 4 shows can be scattered anytime between 9 AM to 1:30 AM. 

On Sundays and holidays - both National and regional, theaters owners are permitted to screen an additional show which brings the total number of shows that day to 5. This is precisely why many Tamil movies target the holiday season for release, and on such occasions early morning shows were screened between 1 AM - 9 AM. The TN government sometimes even granted special permission for early morning show timings on non-holidays, so as to help out theater revenue around a big movie release or holiday season when the demand for tickets is high.

However with increasing mishaps around early morning show celebrations, such as accidents causing loss of lives, damage to theater property, out-of-control fan crowds being a nuisance, the Tamil Nadu government completely banned these early morning show timings and special permits for the same. Since July, 2023 first shows in Tamil theaters begin no earlier than 9 AM.

Early morning shows and exorbitant rates of admission during such shows of the release of the new films is in violation of the condition 14-A of Form C licence under the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957

The 4 shows during non-holidays and 5 during holidays are applicable per screen. Police Commissioners in cities and Collectors in districts, have the power to call for explanation from the theatre owners in case of a violation of these show timing rules.

He is absolutely wrong about the 9AM show part! TN government very well permits 9 AM shows and notice has been sent to theatres which has screened more than 4 shows on a week day. #Fdfs https://t.co/MEP34TPXFl

— Rhevanth Charan (@rhevanth95) September 14, 2023