It’s a complete shutdown in Kollywood, as the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure cinema halls across the state, while the FEFSI has said its members would not attend shoots, in view of the outbreak of coronavirus.
A day after directing to close theatres in border taluks alone, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday evening ordered closure of all educational institutions, malls, cinemas, amusement parks, gyms, zoos, swimming pools (including in apartments) and museums in the state till March 31.
The CM, while directing the closure of all sports stadiums, clubs, bars (including those run by TASMAC) till March 31, also said there should be no major congregations, processions, public meetings, summer camps, conferences, seminars, commercial exhibitions, cultural events and sports meet till the month end.
For its part, FEFSI (Film Employees Federation of South India) has decided to put shootings of Tamil films, television programs and advertisements on hold from March 19.
A statement from FEFSI chief R K Selvamani said, “Even though the producers and team members will be affected because of this decision financially, their lives is of high importance and so we’ve had to take this difficult decision.”
Stating that the spread of coronavirus was reportedly lesser in the state, it added that due to lack of safety concerns in the film industry, this decision was being taken.
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