Tamil Nadu’s Early Morning Movie Show Tradition Faces Changes
In the past, cinemas typically screened just a handful of shows each day, starting around 11:30 AM or noon. However, with the rise of multiplexes, this norm shifted. Many cinemas began to offer shows at 9:00 AM or even earlier, capitalizing on the popularity of new releases. Some theaters even started as early as 5:00 or 6:00 AM for major films. Yet, Tamil Nadu remains unique in its strict regulations concerning early morning shows, with regular screenings starting around 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. For blockbuster releases, cinemas must seek special permissions to initiate shows at 9:00 AM.
Despite the growing trend, shows at 4:00 AM or earlier are currently banned in Tamil Nadu. A notable incident during the Pongal 2023 competition between Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu and Vijay’s Varisu highlighted this issue. While Thunivu had early shows starting at 1:00 AM, Varisu was allowed screenings from 4:00 AM. However, celebrations turned somber with the tragic death of an Ajith fan, prompting the state government to tighten regulations on early screenings.
As a result, most major releases now have their first shows at 9:00 AM. In contrast, neighboring states like Karnataka and cities like Mumbai are screening highly anticipated films as early as 6:00 AM, leading to some frustration among Tamil Nadu fans. One movie lover expressed: “Our local heroes like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Ajith are celebrated, yet we often miss out on early showings. By the time we get to see the film, others have already shared their reviews.”
Some dedicated fans even travel to nearby states like Kerala to catch the first shows of their favorite stars. For instance, movie buffs in Coimbatore often journey to Palakkad, just 60 kilometers away, to watch films before dawn.
A significant change occurred on May 10 when Thalapathy Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With his background in the film industry, many hope he will revive early morning shows for upcoming releases.
Ruban Mathivanan of GK Cinemas in Chennai commented, “This is a positive development. Hopefully, the new government will focus on revitalizing the cinema industry.” He stressed that early morning shows had been crucial for cinemas, providing a unique experience that sets them apart from streaming services.
Film distributor Akshaye Rathi remarked that these morning screenings are part of Tamil Nadu’s rich cinema culture. Losing them would diminish a significant aspect of the state’s film tradition. He expressed optimism that Chief Minister Vijay would prioritize both governance and the cultural heritage of Tamil cinema, extending its reach nationally and globally.
In another exciting note, Vijay’s unreleased film, Jana Nayagan, is set for release soon, possibly on May 21 or 28. Though the film faced a leak last month, Ruban reassured, “That won’t be an issue. We expect a grand opening.”
With the buzz surrounding Vijay’s political debut, the anticipation for Jana Nayagan is high. Some fans are suggesting the opening titles may change from “Thalapathy Vijay” to “Chief Minister Vijay,” indicating a historic moment for Tamil cinema.
