In a recent development that has caught the attention of the Tamil film industry, actor Dhanush, who has been basking in the success of his directorial venture “Raayan,” is now at the centre of a controversy. The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) issued a red card to the actor on July 30, citing violations of council norms and multiple complaints against him. This decision has sparked disappointment among his fans and has been met with opposition from the Nadigar Sangam, the South Indian Artistes’ Association.
The Controversial Decision
At a meeting held on July 29 in Chennai, the TFPC discussed several critical issues affecting the film industry, including film budgets, actor and technician remunerations, and shooting schedules. They announced that new film shootings would be halted from August 15 to establish new guidelines. During this meeting, Dhanush was banned for allegedly accepting advance payments but failing to commit to shooting schedules.
The Nadigar Sangam, represented by actors Karthi, Karunas, and Poochi Murugan, has condemned the TFPC’s decision, arguing that it was made without prior consultation. Traditionally, issues involving actors and producers are resolved through mutual discussions between the TFPC and the Nadigar Sangam. However, in Dhanush’s case, the council did not approach the Nadigar Sangam before making their decision public.
Call for a Joint Meeting
The Nadigar Sangam has called for a joint meeting of all Tamil film associations to address the issue and reach a resolution. They emphasize the need for a collaborative approach to solve disputes between actors and producers. Meanwhile, the TFPC is firm on its stance, insisting that shootings must be completed by November 1 and that star-driven films should only be released on OTT platforms eight weeks after their theatrical release.
The decision to target Dhanush has caused significant uproar in the Tamil film industry, with many questioning the council’s motives and the fairness of the decision. TFPC secretary R Radhakrishnan stated that they stand by their decisions, including the temporary halt on signing new films after August 16. The council plans to meet on August 1 to discuss further actions.
Nadigar Sangam’s Response
Following the TFPC’s allegations, the Nadigar Sangam expressed their surprise and dissatisfaction, stating that they only learned of the decision through media reports. Actor Karthi, along with other Nadigar Sangam representatives, criticized the TFPC for not informing them beforehand. Poochi S Murugan, a vice-president of SIAA, condemned the decision to stop shootings from November 1, calling it “arbitrary” and promising to discuss a counteraction in their upcoming general body meeting.
In a statement, the Nadigar Sangam highlighted that in a joint meeting on June 21, both parties had agreed on specific conditions, including the need for formal complaints with evidence. Murugan stated that they had already addressed issues raised by the TFPC until June 21, and Dhanush’s sudden inclusion in the controversy was unexpected.
Financial Implications
Radhakrishnan explained that producers who have invested in films delayed due to actors’ lack of commitment, particularly Dhanush, are facing severe financial consequences. Based on feedback from their members, the TFPC decided that actors and technicians should only sign new films after completing existing projects. The council’s July 29 statement also outlined new guidelines to prevent films from being shelved due to unavailable screens.
Industry Reactions
The proposed complete ban on shootings from November 1 has been criticized as “illegal” by actor Karthi, who warned of its potential impact on thousands of people involved in filmmaking. Radhakrishnan argued that the decision was necessary due to skyrocketing costs associated with actors, technicians, and production expenses. The TFPC aims to regulate these costs by imposing a temporary shooting halt.
The TFPC also decided that films starring big actors should be released on OTT platforms only after an eight-week theatrical run. They proposed forming a joint action committee with representatives from all industry stakeholders, including distributors and theater owners.
However, Tirupur Subramaniam, president of the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners’ Association, stated that theater owners prefer not to be caught between the two disputing bodies. “I think they have to sort it out among themselves,” he commented.
As the industry awaits further developments, all eyes are on the upcoming discussions between the TFPC and the Nadigar Sangam to see if a resolution can be reached. In the meantime, the situation has sparked a broader conversation about actor commitments, financial responsibilities, and the need for a more structured approach to resolving industrial disputes.
