GST is being implemented from today, the 1st of July 2017 all over India. The Central Government has placed the entertainment industry in the 28% tax bracket for which various representations are being made to bring down the rate.
Now, to rub more salt into the wound, the state government has levied an additional 30% municipal tax on the entertainment industry which has come as a huge shock to the fraternity. To protest against this, theatre owners in Tamil Nadu have called for a close-down of theatres from Monday, the 3rd July.
The worst affected are those who had released their films yesterday, the 30th June, the prominent one being Ivan Thanthiran directed by R Kannan.
In a very heart touching message to the Directors Union, Kannan pleads with choked voice and says, “When my film has been well received by the audience, this news has come as a huge jolt to me and my team. What would I do when all of a sudden, a strike is announced without any prior notice? How would I clear the debts that I had incurred for the film? I plead to Vikraman sir, Cheran sir, Selvamani sir and Samuthirakani anna to do something. I am totally lost and clueless. I don’t know where to talk and whom to talk? Please help me. My only support is my Directors Union. I have been in the industry for more than 25 years. My pain is akin to the one we all feel when a newborn baby’s neck is cut. Please support a good film.”