The Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association has allegedly demanded the Tamil Active Film Producer's Association, headed by Bharathiraja, to allow films to release on OTT only a year after their theatrical release. 

According to a report in Puthiya Thalaimurai, this demand was made in response to a list of demands put forth by the producers earlier. In this list, producers had stated that they will not pay the Virtual Print Fee for films, and had also asked for a share in the online handling charges levied by theatres, amid other demands. 

Reports suggest that the Theatres Owners' Association also has plans to request the central government for permission to screen cricket matches in theatres. 

The final status of these claims will be decided on Tuesday, after a meeting. 

With the pandemic forcing close the theatres, exhibitors have severely criticised the digital release of big films such as Soorarai Pottru and Ponmagal Vandhal. 

They had also requested theatres to be opened after the Unlock 4 guidelines were issued, which allowed malls and all shopping complexes to be open.