Kamal Haasan Calls For 8 Week OTT Rule To Save Theatres

Universal Hero Kamal Haasan has asked the Tamil Nadu government to set an 8 week OTT release rule for Tamil films. He sent a letter to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on May 16, 2026. In the letter, he said early OTT release hurts theatre income and cuts short a film’s run on the big screen. He feels a clear 8 week gap will help theatres, distributors, and exhibitors stay strong. Many theatre owners across Tamil Nadu support this idea because footfalls drop fast when films reach OTT in just 3 or 4 weeks.
Kamal Haasan gave six ideas to help the film industry. Along with the OTT rule, he asked for a state run OTT platform for Tamil content. He also asked to cut local body tax, build a strong anti piracy team, allow five shows a day in theatres, and give support to films shot in Tamil Nadu. He said cinema gives jobs to thousands of people and is a key part of Tamil culture. Last month he opened the state’s first Dolby Cinema to push for better theatre experience.
The OTT gap rule is now a big topic in the film trade. Producers and streaming sites may have different views, but theatre groups welcome the move. In the last few years, many Indian films came to OTT very early and box office numbers fell. A longer theatre window can bring back the habit of watching films in halls. Talks between the government, producers, and OTT firms are likely to start soon. If the rule is made, all Tamil films will need to wait eight weeks before online release.
Kamal Haasan’s request has started fresh debate on OTT rules in Indian cinema. His voice carries weight because he is both an actor and a filmmaker. The goal is to balance theatre business and digital reach. A clear rule can help small films get more time in theatres and protect jobs in the cinema chain. Fans and trade experts are waiting to see how the state acts on these ideas in the next few weeks.








































