Two of the biggest Tamil films gearing up for a massive release, 'Thalapathy' Vijay's Varisu and Ajith Kumar's Thunivu, are scheduled to open in cinemas for Pongal in a grand manner in January 2023. With the buzz getting bigger by the day, there has been a lot of debate on whether both the upcoming films will be getting extra shows in the theatres across Tamil Nadu. It is to be noted that Ajith's Thunivu is being released by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies in the state, while Vijay's Varisu will be presented by Lalit Kumar's 7 Screen Studios banner. In that light, the Film Exhibitors Association has now written a letter requesting permission from the Tamil Nadu government in regard to the extra shows for the Pongal releases indicating both Varisu and Thunivu will be releasing on January 12 in the state.

R. Panneerselvam, General Secretary of the Film Exhibitors Association, wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home (Cinema) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu requesting permission to conduct one extra show during the Pongal week, including the screening of an additional show before the festival in light of the new releases. 

The statement read as follows:

"We wish to bring to your kind attention that the Tamil Nadu Government was pleased to grant Permission for Cinema Theatres in Tamil Nadu to conduct one Extra Show during the Pongal Festival week every year in response to the representation of our Association. This year the Pongal Festival falls on 15.01.2023 (Sunday). We shall be much obliged if the government would be pleased to grant Permission for Cinema Theatres in Tamil Nadu to have an extra show on 12.01.2023 (Thursday), 13.01.2023 (Friday) & 18.01.2023 (Wednesday) at 9.00 a.m., for all permanent and Semi-permanent Theatres with due intimation to the licensing Authority as well as others Tax Authorities." 

It further read, "So, we hereby request you treat this letter as a Special case and grant Permission to conduct one Show before Pongal Festival on 12.01.2023 (Thursday), 13.01.2023 (Friday). Most of the New films are releasing before the Pongal Festival. The Cinema Theatres are already having permission to conduct one extra Show on 14.01.2023 (Saturday), 15.01.2023 (Sunday) Pongal Holiday, 16.01.2023 (Monday) Thirivalluvar day, 17.01.2023 (Tuesday) Uzhavar Thirunall. So, the permission is to be granted only on 12.01.2023, 13.01.2023 & 18.01.2023 at 9.00 AM." 

The Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association concluded their statement saying, "As far as Travelling Cinemas are concerned and additional Shows may be permitted on 14.01.2023, 15.01.2023, 16.01.2023 & 17.01.2023 4 days as Morning Show at 11.30 AM and 12.01.2023, 13.01.2023 & 18.01.2023 3 days as Matinee Show at 2.30 PM. The extra Show for Pongal Festival week show will be starting at 9.00 AM and closing show at 1.30 AM (Mid-Night) ie. The morning show will be starting at 11.30 AM and the Matinee show starting at 2.30 PM." 

Below is the Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association statement: