Actor Vijay Sethupathi has joined the growing conversation around the future of the Tamil film industry by making two major requests to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.
The actor raised the issues during the audio launch event of director Pandiraj’s upcoming film Parimala and Co, starring Jayaram and Urvashi in lead roles.
As Vijay Sethupathi took the stage, fans welcomed him with loud chants of “Vaathi,” a reference associated with Chief Minister Vijay’s popular screen image from Master.
During his speech, the actor urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider launching a state-backed OTT platform and also appealed for a revision in movie theatre ticket prices.
Vijay Sethupathi Supports Kamal Haasan’s OTT Platform Proposal
Vijay Sethupathi’s remarks come shortly after veteran actor Kamal Haasan reportedly requested the Tamil Nadu government to introduce its own OTT streaming service.
Supporting the idea publicly, Vijay Sethupathi said a regulated platform could help stabilize the entertainment business.
“I have an important request for respected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay sir. As Kamal sir requested earlier, it would be beneficial if the Tamil Nadu government launches its own OTT platform soon,” Vijay Sethupathi said at the event.
He further explained that the OTT industry experienced rapid growth initially before facing market uncertainty in recent years.
“The OTT market saw huge success at one stage and later witnessed a slowdown. This has created confusion within the film business ecosystem. Government regulation and support could help the industry,” he added.
Actor Requests Revision in Theatre Ticket Prices
Apart from the OTT discussion, Vijay Sethupathi also highlighted the financial pressures currently faced by film producers and theatre owners.
According to the actor, theatre ticket prices have remained largely unchanged for years despite rising production costs and inflation.
“For many years, movie ticket prices have not increased, while the prices of almost everything else have gone up sharply,” he stated.
He added that filmmaking expenses have become significantly higher, making it difficult for producers to recover investments.
“Production costs have increased heavily, and raising ticket prices has become unavoidable in many cases. Producers are somehow managing due to digital rights sales, but sustaining the industry is becoming difficult,” he said while requesting the government to look into the matter.
Tamil Film Industry Awaits Government Response
Vijay Sethupathi’s comments have sparked discussion across the Tamil film industry, especially as they follow similar concerns raised recently by Kamal Haasan.
While Kamal Haasan had reportedly sought permission for additional daily theatre shows to improve revenue generation, Vijay Sethupathi focused on long-term industry sustainability through OTT regulation and ticket pricing reforms.
It remains to be seen how Chief Minister Vijay and the Tamil Nadu government respond to these demands from two of the industry’s most influential actors.
