“This government simply want to hold the industry & the producers at ransom”

Producer Sashikanth of YNOT Studios, who has indefinitely postponed the release of Vikram Vedha due to the stalemate between the film industry and theater owners on double taxation, has sent out a strongly-worded statement on the issue.

Dear Tamil Film Fraternity

I am not sure when was the last time cinema theatres in Tamilnadu were shut down, but I am pretty sure these are unprecedented situations currently prevailing. When other state governments across India have recognised the idea of GST and reformed their local taxation system, why has the Tamilnadu government alone not taken any of these reform measures yet?

This government simply want to hold the industry and the producers at ransom, so they can extract their pound of flesh as bribes on the pretext of giving tax exemption, at the time of release. This systemic plunder has to end.

I appeal to all with a voice, specially the stars among us, who will be able to propagate the truth to the people, faster and wider, to come out with your opinions in a much more concerted way and address this issue in the best possible manner you deem fit.

But, your voice needs to be heard loud and clear, now more than ever.