6 AM Shows Return To Tamil Nadu As Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay Changes Rules Ahead Of New Diwali Releases

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has issued a new government order permitting 6 AM special shows ahead of major Diwali releases, reversing a three-year restriction.

Published 3 November 2026

Return of Early Morning Screenings

Cinema exhibitors and distributors in Tamil Nadu have received a significant boost with the return of early-morning screenings. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has officially approved a new government order that permits 6 AM shows across the state.

This regulatory change arrives just in time for the busy festive season, providing much-needed relief to theater owners and film producers who look forward to high audience turnout during major holidays.

Background of the Three-Year Ban

The allowance of early-morning screenings marks a major policy shift after more than three years of strict limitations. Following an unfortunate stampede incident during the release of Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu in 2023, authorities had restricted cinemas to only four shows daily.

That restriction was enforced under the Tamil Nadu Cinemas Regulation Rules of 1957 and Condition 14-A of the Form C license issued to movie theaters, effectively ending decades-old traditions of dawn screenings for major star vehicles.

Details of the New Government Order

Under the newly issued government order, cinemas are permitted to hold up to six shows daily between 6 AM and 2:30 AM the following day. This expanded schedule applies for a duration of one week starting from a film's initial release date.

Furthermore, the updated rules extend beyond the opening week, covering local festival days, designated public holidays, and regular weekends to give exhibitors maximum operational flexibility throughout the year.

Industry Requests and Quick Response

The policy revision followed concerted lobbying by major industry bodies, including the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, the Tamil Film Producers Council, and the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association.

These organizations formally approached minister Rajmohan with their requests, leading to a prompt administrative turnaround that culminated in the official government order praised widely by industry stakeholders.

Gratitude From Film Producers and Distributors

Prominent producer and distributor G Dhananjhayen took to social media to express appreciation for the swift action taken by the state administration. He highlighted the speed with which the appeal was processed after being submitted.

Representatives of the Tamil film fraternity have publicly thanked both the minister and the chief minister, praising the government's responsiveness to the economic welfare and scheduling needs of the regional entertainment sector.

Upcoming Diwali Releases Set to Benefit

Several high-profile films arriving for the holiday window stand to gain from the relaxed screening rules. Among them are Jithu Madhavan’s Scene, featuring Suriya, Nazriya Nazim, and Naslen, alongside Sundar C’s Mookuthi Amman 2, starring Nayanthara and Regena Cassandra, both scheduled for November 6.

While Nitesh Tiwari’s pan-Indian epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, is also slated for a Tamil release, uncertainty remains regarding whether the six-show permission will apply to dubbed versions.

News Overview

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has issued a new government order permitting 6 AM special film screenings for a duration of one week following a request from industry bodies. This change overturns a three-year restriction that limited theaters to four daily shows following an incident in 2023, providing timely support to upcoming festive releases like Scene and Mookuthi Amman 2.

Key facts

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued a government order permitting 6 AM shows for Diwali releases.
The request was made by the Tamil film industry on October 27, 2026.
Early morning shows were restricted for three years following a stampede during the release of Ajith Kumar's Thunivu in 2023.
The new rules permit six shows daily between 6 AM and 2:30 AM for one week from release, plus weekends, holidays, and festival days.
Scene and Mookuthi Amman 2 release on November 6, 2026.