[ads1]
The theatres in Tamil Nadu have gone on an indefinite strike because of the government’s decision to levy GST of 28 per cent plus the 30 per cent tax imposed by the municipal corporation.
In response to this move, 1000 theaters in Tamil Nadu have gone on an indefinite strike. Many from the industry have come out and slammed this move.
One of Tamil Nadu’s sharpest and most influential voices, Kamal Haasan, has come out and blasted the government for this move especially when other industries are doing everything to encouraging film making in their state.
[ecp code=”4″]
He said “Our neighbouring states like Kerala have totally desisted from levying anymore state-tax on cinema over and above GST. The film industry requested the CM of Kerala Mr Pinarayi Vijayan and he through his Finance Minister quickly announced that Kerala will not be levying any more taxes on the already beleaguered film business. Karnataka has gone even further to facilitate the well-being of the film Industry. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also doing their best for their film industries.”
The angry actor wonders why the Tamil Nadu government wants to make the movie business so difficult in the state. “It is only the Tamil Nadu government that has brought the tax to 30 per cent. Filmmaking is deliberately being made difficult in our state. Ironical that this should happen in a state whose chief minister until very recently was a former actress.”
The actor of the masses warns of a simmering discontent in the Tamil film industry. “All factions of the industry are agitated. I am trying my best as any sensible individual of the industry to maintain solidarity and not play into the hands of any self-serving and avaricious politician.”
The actor adds, “Film industry is one among the many industries asphyxiated by the prevailing systemic corruption in the state. I anticipate even stronger protests soon.”
[ads2]