Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has cleared long-pending film subsidies worth ₹15.68 crore for 224 Tamil films produced between 2015 and 2022. Each selected producer has received ₹7 lakh under the state government's scheme to support low-budget films that promote meaningful messages and social awareness.
The cheques were distributed by School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity Minister Rajmohan at a government event held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai on October 30. The release of the funds follows an order from Vijay to immediately disburse the pending subsidies.
Producer T Siva of Amma Creations welcomed the move, describing it as a major relief for filmmakers who had waited seven years for the money. Siva, whose production credits include Deiva Vaakku, Aravindhan, Saroja and Aravaan, thanked Vijay and Minister Rajmohan Arumugam in a post on X.
T Siva calls subsidy a Diwali gift for film industry
In his post, Siva said the release of nearly ₹16 crore would bring fresh hope to the 224 producers and their families. He also acknowledged the minister's efforts in ensuring that the funds were disbursed.
Calling the assistance a Diwali gift, the producer said it would make a difference to families dependent on the film industry. He claimed that 90% of the beneficiaries were people who had lost their livelihoods due to film production, adding that the financial support could help them rebuild their lives.
Siva wrote in Tamil, “My heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr Joseph Vijay, for immediately releasing approximately ₹16 crore in subsidies for 224 films, a matter that had been pending for seven years, thereby bringing new hope and a fresh beginning to the lives of these 224 producers. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Mr. @imrajmohan, for his dedicated and swift efforts in making this happen!”
He further said, “This is not merely a subsidy; it is a Diwali gift for many families associated with the film industry! 90% of the beneficiaries are individuals who lost their livelihoods due to film production. There is no doubt that this support will spark a revival in their lives. On behalf of the 224 producers and their families, a million thanks!”
How were the 224 films selected?
The Tamil Nadu government runs an annual subsidy scheme to encourage producers to make quality films with limited budgets, particularly those that convey positive messages and create social awareness.
For the latest disbursement, a selection committee headed by retired justice S K Krishnan examined films submitted for consideration between 2015 and 2022. It selected 28 films for each of the eight years, recommending a total of 224 productions for the subsidy.
Each selected producer received ₹7 lakh, taking the total amount distributed to ₹15.68 crore.
Minister highlights cinema's role in social awareness
Addressing the event, Rajmohan highlighted the role of Tamil cinema in reflecting people's lives, culture, emotions and social concerns. He referred to Bharathiraja's Karuththamma (1994), which raised awareness about female infanticide, as an example of cinema's ability to draw attention to social evils.
The minister praised producers who go beyond commercial considerations to make films that address important issues and contribute to society. He also said the release of subsidies pending for seven years would restore recognition and support to the producers concerned.
Rajmohan assured the industry that the government would continue to support its growth and the welfare of people dependent on it. He said steps would be taken to address demands and issues raised by industry representatives.
He further stated that Tamil cinema awards, Kalaimamani awards, state awards and subsidies would be granted transparently and honestly, based solely on merit. The minister described this as the chief minister's firm direction.
Tamil Development and Information Department Secretary V Rajaraman, Information and Public Relations Department Director A Arun Thamburaj, additional directors R Bhaskaran and K Tamilselvarajan, government officials and representatives of film industry associations, including the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association, attended the event.