eteran actor-politician Kamal Haasan met newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on May 16 and submitted a list of six key demands aimed at reviving and supporting the struggling Tamil film industry.
The meeting comes less than a week after Vijay officially took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam forming the government in the state.
Kamal praises Vijay after meeting
Following the meeting, Kamal shared pictures with Vijay on social media and praised the actor-turned-politician for his humility and vision for Tamil Nadu.
In his statement, Kamal said Vijay spoke enthusiastically about several dreams and plans for the betterment of the state. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister’s warmth and affection made him feel proud. The actor further revealed that he had formally submitted six important requests to the government on behalf of the Tamil film industry, which he said is currently facing multiple challenges.
Haasan's post on X read, “Today, I met in person with the Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay @TVKVijayHQ, and conveyed my best wishes. He enthusiastically shared many dreams for the betterment of Tamil Nadu. The humility and affection he displayed during the meeting filled me with pride.”
He added, “I have submitted to him 6 important demands, emphasizing that the Tamil Nadu government’s support and embrace are essential for the Tamil film industry, which is facing various obstacles. May goodness flourish.”
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர், தம்பி விஜய் @TVKVijayHQ அவர்களை இன்று நேரில் சந்தித்து வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்தேன்.
தமிழ்நாட்டை மேம்படுத்தும் பல கனவுகளை உற்சாகத்துடன் பகிர்ந்துகொண்டார். சந்திப்பின்போது அவர் காட்டிய பண்பும் அன்பும் நெகிழ்ச்சியளித்தது.
பல்வேறு இடையூறுகளைச்… pic.twitter.com/timwTZeEdY
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 16, 2026
Kamal seeks Tamil Nadu government-owned OTT platform
One of Kamal Haasan’s biggest proposals was the creation of a state-owned OTT streaming platform dedicated to Tamil cinema, documentaries and independent films. Kamal suggested that such a platform could help regional content reach audiences at affordable rates while also supporting smaller filmmakers and culturally significant projects that often struggle to find mainstream distribution.
In the memorandum submitted by the senior actor to the CM, it was mentioned, "I request the Tamil Nadu government to launch a state-owned OTT platform where Tamil audiences could access Tamil cinema, independent film and documentaries at affordable and subsidised rates."
He also added, "I request the abolition of local body entertainment tax levied at 4 per cent. This will greatly help the Tamil film industry".
Anti-piracy action and OTT release window among key demands
Kamal also reportedly urged the Tamil Nadu government to strengthen anti-piracy enforcement through a dedicated cyber crime team capable of handling real-time takedowns of pirated content.
"I request the creation of a dedicated anti piracy enforcement team within the Tamil Nadu police cyber crime department to protect Tamil cinema with powers to enforce real time takedowns of pirated content," he wrote.
Another major recommendation involved introducing a mandatory eight-week OTT release window for all Tamil films. According to Kamal, such a move could help theatres and distributors recover financially by ensuring longer theatrical runs before movies move to streaming platforms. "To protect theatres, I request the government to regulate and make an eight-week OTT release window mandatory for all the films released in Tamil Nadu, enabling theatre owners and distributors to sustain themselves", he said.
He additionally requested permission for five shows per day in theatres across Tamil Nadu to improve revenue generation for exhibitors.
Kamal demands tax relief and film incentives
The actor-politician also called for the abolition of the 4 per cent local body entertainment tax imposed on films in Tamil Nadu.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that the additional tax burden negatively impacts theatre owners, distributors and producers, especially at a time when audience footfall remains inconsistent after the OTT boom.
Kamal further proposed a film production incentive scheme offering up to 10 per cent reimbursement for Indian films completing more than half their shooting schedule in Tamil Nadu. He reportedly argued that this could help restore the state’s position as a leading film production hub in India.
My two requests: https://t.co/rP4bIo4Hzi pic.twitter.com/u6ywdmd5S1
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 16, 2026
Tamil film industry seeks revival measures
The meeting reflects growing concern within the Tamil film industry over rising production costs, piracy, declining theatre revenues and changing audience behaviour.
Several producers, distributors and theatre owners have recently been urging the new Vijay-led government to introduce reforms that could strengthen the theatrical business and make Tamil Nadu more attractive for film production again.
Kamal’s meeting with Vijay also carries symbolic significance, given the long history of cinema and politics intersecting in Tamil Nadu.
Vijay’s political journey continues to draw industry support
Since becoming Chief Minister, Vijay has received congratulatory messages and support from several film personalities across industries.
Kamal himself had earlier praised Vijay’s government after the administration announced the closure of 717 liquor shops in Tamil Nadu shortly after taking office.
