Early morning screenings are set to return to theatres across Tamil Nadu, with the state government issuing a fresh order that allows six shows a day for newly released Tamil films. The decision also permits screenings to begin as early as 6AM, offering a significant change to the existing exhibition rules ahead of the Diwali season.
According to the new directive, theatres can schedule up to six shows daily for the first seven days from a film’s release. The permitted screening window will begin at 6AM and extend until 2.30AM the following day. The revised arrangement will also apply to weekends, local festival days and public holidays.
The order follows requests from several industry bodies, including the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association. Their representations sought permission for additional shows and earlier screenings to support new releases across the state. Producer-distributor G Dhananjhayen also acknowledged the government’s response, stating that the industry had submitted its request to Minister Rajmohan on October 27.
Under the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, theatres were earlier permitted to screen four shows a day. In May 2026, the government allowed an additional show for new Tamil releases during their first week, along with five shows on weekends and public holidays. The latest order further increases the limit to six screenings, while bringing back the early-morning show format.
Early-morning screenings had remained restricted for more than three years following the stampede incident during the release of Ajith Kumar’s Thunivu in 2023. The revised rules now mark a major change for exhibitors and film distributors, particularly during high-profile opening weeks when audience demand is expected to be strong.
The timing of the decision is significant, as several major releases are lined up for the upcoming Diwali season. Suriya’s Scene and Nayanthara’s Mookuthi Amman 2 are scheduled to hit theatres on November 6 and are expected to benefit from the revised screening schedule. Meanwhile, the Tamil-dubbed release of Ramayana is also among the notable films arriving during the festive period, although its eligibility for the additional shows has not been clarified.
With the new order, the Tamil Nadu government has expanded the daily show limit for new Tamil releases and restored 6AM screenings. The move is expected to offer greater flexibility to theatre operators while giving audiences more opportunities to watch major releases during their opening week.