For the past few months, the Tamil Nadu Theatre Distributors Association has been demanding an eight week theatrical window. The association believes a four week OTT window is affecting box office collections. This issue has become a key topic in the industry.
Despite repeated requests, producers have not taken a firm decision so far. The association has warned that if no resolution is reached, they may stop screening films in theatres. This has increased tension between distributors and producers.
Amid this situation, distributor and theatre owner Tiruppur Subramaniam made a strong statement during a media interaction. He said he will screen only those films that follow an eight week theatrical window. His comments have gone viral online.
Many people have supported his stand and called it reasonable. They argue that the four week OTT window is changing audience behaviour. Viewers are choosing to wait for OTT releases instead of watching films in theatres.
Supporters believe producers should consider this concern. They say extending the theatrical window can help protect cinema halls. According to them, this step may improve footfall and box office performance.
However, others have raised practical concerns about this demand. They point out that even big star films struggle to sustain a theatrical run beyond ten days. This makes a long window difficult to maintain.
Producers, who invest heavily in films, focus on securing profits. Many prefer OTT deals that offer strong returns within a shorter time. Accepting a four week window often helps them recover costs faster.
Despite differing opinions, Tiruppur Subramaniam’s statement has sparked a wide debate. The discussion reflects the growing tension between theatrical business and OTT platforms. The issue is likely to remain a key talking point in the industry.
