This Article is From Sep 29, 2014

The Jayalalithaa Effect: Madras, Jeeva to be Hit by Theatre Shut Down in Tamil Nadu

The Jayalalithaa Effect: Madras, Jeeva to be Hit by Theatre Shut Down in Tamil Nadu

Karthi and Catherine Tresa in a still from Madras.

Chennai: Trade Experts says that Tamil exhibitors' decision to shut down theatres on Tuesday will affect the box-office prospects of Jeeva and Madras. The exhibitors' decision comes as an act of solidarity towards former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was jailed on Saturday for corruption.

Tamil Film Exhibitors Association has decided to keep a fast on Tuesday and cancel shows in all theatres across the state.

"These films will take a hit at the box-office because two evening shows in all theatres across the state were cancelled after Jayalalithaa was convicted on Saturday. Tomorrow's complete shutdown of theatres will also come as a big blow," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

"Both the films had a positive word-of-mouth at the box-office. Madras in particular was raved by everybody. The first three days of this week were very crucial for these films as from Thursday (October 2) all the new releases are coming out," he added.

Actor Ram Charan's Telugu film Govindudu Andarivadele is slated for a Wednesday release, while Bang Bang, Haider, Yaan and Oru Oorla Rendu Raja will come out Thursday.

"With five new releases by Thursday, how can Madras and Jeeva earn profits? Moreover, both these films had to compete for screens with Aranmanai, which is a hit and has been going rock steady at the box-office for two weeks," he added.

The decision to shut down theatres has not gone down well with movie buffs either.

Ashwin, who had to work on Friday, couldn't watch Karthi's Madras. "It's so irritating when they keep cancelling shows. I seriously don't understand how cancelling film shows can change anything with regards to what had happened to Jayalalithaa," he said.

Viewers have been calling theatres ever news about shutdown came out."People are under the impression that we've deliberately cancelled the shows. Most of them are irritated because this is the second time in just a matter of few days. We as theatre owners have to go in accordance with the association," said a Chennai-based theatre owner.

Meanwhile, Tamil Actors Union, Film Employees Federation of South India and Tamil Nadu Film Director's Association are also likely to observe a fast on Tuesday.
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