In a major boost to the Tamil film industry, the Tamil Nadu government has issued an order permitting early morning screenings of new Tamil films from 6 AM. Suriya's “Scene” will have 6 AM shows as the new government order sanctions early morning shows and bookings are expected to open soon as per exhibits in Tamil Nadu.
The decision is expected to benefit producers, distributors and theatre owners by providing greater scope for increasing box-office collections during the opening weekend.
According to the details of the order, theatres will be permitted to screen up to six shows daily for new Tamil releases during the first week, with screenings allowed between 6 AM and 2:30 AM. The move marks a significant development for the state's theatrical exhibition sector, which has operated under restrictions on early morning shows since 2023.
The decision is expected to be welcomed by the film fraternity, particularly ahead of major releases that traditionally witness strong audience demand during their opening days.
More shows could mean higher opening weekend collections
The restoration of 6 AM screenings is expected to give exhibitors greater flexibility in scheduling shows for highly anticipated films. With additional screenings available during the first week, theatres will have more opportunities to accommodate audiences, particularly for films featuring major stars.
Opening weekend collections play a crucial role in determining the commercial performance of Tamil films. The ability to screen more shows could help producers and distributors capitalize on strong advance bookings and audience interest, especially during festival releases and major box-office clashes.
The move could also help theatres manage demand when multiple big-ticket films release on the same day. Instead of limiting the number of screenings available to each film, exhibitors could have greater flexibility in allocating shows according to audience demand.
Why were early morning shows cancelled in 2023?
Tamil Nadu's restrictions on early morning screenings date back to January 2023, when Ajith Kumar's "Thunivu" and Vijay's "Varisu" were released during the Pongal festival.
The two films generated enormous excitement among fans, with special screenings originally planned during the early hours. However, the state government issued an order prohibiting special shows at 4 AM and 5 AM between January 13 and 16, 2023. The order also restricted milk abhishekam ceremonies involving large cut-outs outside theatres and warned against violations involving ticket prices and parking charges.
The situation took a tragic turn during the celebrations surrounding "Thunivu". A 19-year-old fan, Ajith Kumar's supporter, died after falling from a moving vehicle while celebrating the film's release in Chennai.
The incident intensified concerns over the safety of fans during high-profile releases. Large crowds, traffic disruption, dangerous celebrations and clashes between rival fan groups had already raised questions about the arrangements surrounding early morning screenings.
Following the incident, restrictions on early morning shows continued to affect major releases across Tamil Nadu. The state also withdrew permission for special 4 AM screenings of Vijay's "Leo" in October 2023, directing theatres to begin screenings no earlier than 9 AM during the specified period.
The restrictions subsequently became a major concern for producers, distributors and theatre owners, who argued that the absence of early morning screenings limited their ability to maximise revenue during the opening days of big releases.
Film industry had been seeking the return of early shows
The demand to restore early morning screenings has remained an important issue for the Tamil film industry.
Representatives of producer associations, distributors and theatre owners have argued that Tamil Nadu's restrictions put the state's theatrical market at a disadvantage compared with neighbouring states, where early morning screenings are available for major releases.
In late October 2026, industry representatives raised the issue during discussions with Tamil Nadu Information and Publicity Minister A. Rajmohan. Their proposals included allowing screenings to begin at 6 AM and continue until 2 AM, providing scope for five or six shows daily.
The industry also highlighted the revenue lost when audiences in other markets could watch a film several hours before its first screening in Tamil Nadu. Early reviews and audience reactions often circulate on social media before the film opens in its home market, potentially influencing local advance bookings..
The decision could have a substantial impact on the opening-weekend business of Tamil films, particularly big-budget productions featuring leading stars. Kerala, Karnataka and other South Indian states have been holding early morning shows for Tamil films for quite a long time and it is expected to continue.
