''CINEMA IS NOT JUST ABOUT RAJINI, KAMAL, SHANKAR, RAJAMOULI OR A.R.RAHMAN'', R.K.SELVAMANI

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had stated that the GST tax for the entertainment industry would be 28%. It was also informed that there are high possibilities of theatre ticket prices being hiked from July 1st.

R.K.Selvamani, President of FEFSI union has officially issued a press statement condemning Arun Jaitley's tax structure for the film industry. The press note read, "With the online piracy and pirated DVD's being a constant high threat to the cinema, this 28% GST for the film industry has come as a shocker. It adds to the worry. The Central Government hasn't given any protection to the film industry anytime.

Film Industry is the only industry, which provides wholesome entertainment to common people and the entire nation, but why is the Central government interested in disappointing that entertainment-providing film fraternity? They haven't taken any steps to eradicate or control piracy, and on top of all this, they have implemented a big amount as GST. FEFSI Association strongly condemns this decision of the Central Government.

Cinema is not just about Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Shankar, Rajamouli or A.R.Rahman. Only less than hundred people would be in a good position like these people. All others are middle-class people, who work day and night for their daily livelihood. This includes more than 95% of the people, who are part of the film industry. Though it is believed that this tax implementation is only on cinema tickets, the real truth is that this will affect only the lakhs and lakhs of workers in the industry.

Considering Tamil Nadu, there are more than 5 lakh people who are directly or indirectly involved with the film industry. About the entire nation, there are totally 40 lakh people, who are part of the industry. This GST law would definitely impact the lives of all these 40 lakh people. We hope Arun Jaitley keeps all these in mind and show us mercy.
 

Due to so much of difference of opinion, we have formed teams within ourselves. There are three different unions headed by Vishal (TFPC), and Abirami Ramanathan (TFCC and Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Association). We have made ourselves weak by dividing into teams. Let us all join hands and work together for the betterment of the livelihood of the people working in the film industry."