In an unusual move that has sparked discussion, several prominent theaters in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai's famous Rohini and Casino screens, have commenced advance bookings for special morning shows of the upcoming Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan'. This development is notable as it precedes the official government order required for such screenings and the film's censor certification.
The Premature Booking Rush
Despite the Tamil Nadu government not yet issuing the mandatory order, multiple theaters began accepting reservations for shows scheduled on January 11 and 12. Rohini Silver Screens opened bookings for a 9 AM show on January 12. Casino, another major Chennai theater, started reservations for an even earlier 8:01 AM show on January 11. This trend was mirrored in Madurai, where at least eight theaters opened bookings for 9 AM shows on January 11.
Typically, the state's home department releases a government order a day before a film's release. This order permits theaters to conduct five shows daily between 9 AM and 2 AM, as opposed to the standard allowance of four shows. For major star-driven releases, a special 9 AM show is commonly sanctioned for enthusiastic fans.
Theater Owners' Justification and Industry Norms
When questioned about the early bookings, Rhevanth Charan, director of Rohini Silver Screens, provided a legal perspective. He stated that the government order specifically regulates the number of shows, not the booking timeline. "Legally, we can allow bookings between 9am and 2am any time," Charan explained. He added that they had only opened bookings for the 9 AM slots and would adjust subsequent shows once the official order is released.
Tirupur Subramanian, president of the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners' Association, suggested that some screens were acting in anticipation of the impending government order. He indicated that if the order fails to materialize, theaters would likely cancel the late-night show to accommodate the morning screening. "In Tamil Nadu, the shows will begin only at 9am," Subramanian affirmed, referencing the current state policy.
The Context of Early Morning Shows in Tamil Nadu
The situation highlights the unique fan culture surrounding Tamil cinema releases. While states like Kerala and Karnataka permit special shows as early as 6 AM, Tamil Nadu imposed restrictions on such early screenings after a tragic incident in January 2023. Following the death of a youngster who fell from a moving vehicle while celebrating the release of Ajith's 'Thunivu', the state government halted ultra-early morning shows. Since that time, the earliest permissible show in Tamil Nadu has been 9 AM.
The film 'Jana Nayagan' itself is still awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), adding another layer of procedural irregularity to the premature bookings. Attempts by the media to reach M P Saminathan, the state's Minister for Information and Publicity, for an official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This episode underscores the high anticipation for the Vijay film and the commercial pressures theaters face during big releases. It also raises questions about the adherence to regulatory protocols in the face of market demand and fan excitement. The industry now awaits the government's official order and the film's censor certificate to see how the situation unfolds.
