'Cinema Bandh' on Feb. 23?

We have seen several bandhs in the state over the last couple of year. We are now going to see a first of sorts. This time it will be a ‘Movies Bandh’. The Film Federation of India is getting in touch with various local bodies over the proposed service tax on films. A draft circular has been sent to the producer’s guild and other regional bodies.

 K Ravi, president of the Film Federation of India says “The Film Industry is already facing severe setbacks due to various issues and revenue losses. Imposition of service tax will severely affect scores of producers”. The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce is already getting ready to file a case against the proposed service tax. If there is no favourable response from the government, then all the cinema halls in the country will be shut down for one day i.e. on February 23.