The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : `Reduce tax on dubbed films'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

`Reduce tax on dubbed films'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, APRIL 12. D. Nepoleon (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), yesterday told the Assembly that the tax rates for films dubbed into Tamil from other southern languages should be reduced because theatres in the State were not getting enough movies to screen. Also films dubbed from English were spreading an alien culture here.

The Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, said the rates were increased based on a request from the filmdom. It wanted the rates increased to protect the Tamil film industry. The difference of opinion among members in the film industry should be settled before they made a representation.

Mr. Nepoleon said he had received requests from many associations. Earlier, about 180 Tamil films were released every year. The number was now reduced to about 80. Every year 200-250 films were needed to cater for the demands of the cinemas. The dubbed films were filling this `gap.' The high tax rates affected the families of about 2,000 dubbing artistes, technicians and others.

Mr. Nepoleon said the land promised for building a memorial for Sivaji Ganesan was yet to be handed over. The Information Minister, K. Anbalagan, said the government orders were passed already.

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