Confusion looms as three producers’ bodies run Tamil cinema

Chennai

Since 1979, the association that represented the producers of Tamil cinema, was in charge of title registration, movie censorship, and film release orders.

A new body for producers called Tamil Film Active Producers Association was formed in August. Legendary director, K Bharathirajaa who is at the helm of the body, had said that their association was not in conflict with the TFPC.

The latest to start another association for the producers is T Rajender, who made the announcement after losing the TFPC elections and alleged that the winning team was involved in malpractices.

Upon asking which of these bodies will be in charge of movie production and release formalities, EC members of TFPC said in unison, “This question has to be answered by people who started new associations.

TFPC was started by late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran in 1979 and has been a body recognised by the state government. Elections happened in an amicable way and no new body was started just because one team lost.”

Rajendar, lashed out and said, “My association’s name is Tamil Nadu Movie Makers Sangam and we will get the required approvals to produce and release a movie. I had to start a new association as I didn’t want to involve myself with people who cast fake votes during the elections. When I cross-checked, the whereabouts of 250 people were not known. They haven’t shown me the voters’ list yet and even started counting votes without my approval. My association will lead by example and will not encourage such corrupt practices.”

Meanwhile, members of the Tamil Film Active Producers Association are awaiting approvals to take over the movie production and release formalities.

“This association doesn’t have a single inactive producer like other bodies. We are the ones currently producing movies in Tamil and we will know in a couple of days’ time,” said an office-bearer.

When contacted, Leela Meenatchi, the Regional Officer of CBFC, Chennai, about which association’s letter would be valid for censorship of a film, she refused to comment.

However, a leading Censor Board officer told DT Next, “The case lies with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Once we get approval, we will act accordingly. This is not a problem only in Tamil Nadu. There is more than one authorised council for producers in other states as well.”