It’s been over 25 days since the Tamil industry called for an indefinite shutdown following its protest against exorbitant rates charged by Digital Service Providers as VPF (Virtual Print Fees) for the exhibition of films. However, actor Vishal, who is also the president of Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council, has called this a revamp of the industry but not a shutdown. In an endeavor to ease burden on producers following the ongoing strike in Kollywood, Vishal told reporters in Chennai on Saturday that he along with Suriya and Karthi have agreed to pay their assistants from their own remuneration and not make the producers pay them.
Speaking to reporters, Nassar, President of South Indian Artistes Association said: “Suriya voluntarily came forward to pay his assistants from his own remuneration. As soon as he announced his decision, Karthi and Vishal also agreed to follow suit. This move by them will save producers an amount to the tune of Rs 12 lakhs to 15 lakhs, which they can use for other purposes. I request all actors to join hands in this regard. We’re using this period to find solutions to all problems to revamp the industry, instead of just restricting it to the fight against DSPs. We will see whether this can be legally implemented or not after discussing with other federations.”
When reporters asked Vishal if actors would consider slashing their remuneration which has been a topic of debate for a long time, he said: “We will only consider all that after 100% computerization of tickets is done across all theaters in TN. If theater owners are ready to show us the box office collections above the table and be transparent, we will definitely talk about remuneration.The answer to everything lies in their hands."