Will Chief Minister Vijay Revive the 4 AM FDFS Tradition? Exhibitors Issue Emotional Plea
Following the historic swearing-in of Thalapathy Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, the local film industry is filled with new hope. Cinema owners and distributors are making a heartfelt appeal to the actor-turned-politician to bring back the state’s famous early morning “First Day, First Show” culture. Currently, Tamil Nadu has strict rules that usually prevent movies from starting before 9:00 AM, while neighboring states like Kerala and Karnataka often allow screenings as early as 4:00 AM for major superstar releases.
The strict regulations were put in place after a tragic incident during Pongal 2023, where a fan lost his life during celebrations for the films Thunivu and Varisu. This led the government to stop granting permissions for 4:00 AM shows. Since then, many dedicated fans in border towns like Coimbatore have been forced to travel to neighboring states just to watch their favorite stars on the big screen before sunrise. Exhibitors argue that these early shows are the “lifeline” of theaters, helping them compete with streaming platforms by creating a unique community celebration that fans love.
The timing of Vijay’s new political role is perfect for his fans, as his final film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to release on May 21 or May 28, 2026. Despite a recent online leak, experts predict the film will have a historic opening at the box office. Fans are even campaigning to have the film’s opening credits updated to address him as “Chief Minister Vijay” instead of his usual title. The industry is optimistic that his leadership will start a “golden age” for Tamil cinema, balancing smart governance with a deep passion for the state’s vibrant movie culture.
