South Indian Film Producers reject unilateral OTT window rules

The South Indian Film Producers Association (SIFPA) has strongly opposed unilateral OTT window mandates imposed by certain theatre associations in Tamil Nadu. The body has called for a joint stakeholder meeting in Hyderabad on May 10, 2026, to resolve the issue.

Mumbai: The South Indian Film Producers Association has issued a strong statement on the ongoing issue with regards to the films’ OTT window.

On Sunday, the body took to their X, formerly Twitter, and shared a letter addressed to the producers, exhibitors and distributors.

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The South Indian Film Producers Association (SIFPA), which comprises of the Telugu Film Producers Council, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Tamil Film Producers Council, Tamil Film Active Producers Association, and Kerala Film Producers Association, convened at Hyderabad to address the OTT window mandates proposed by various Theatre Owners and Exhibitors Associations.

The body said that it has formed a Steering Committee.comprising of all language industry Associations, which will meet all the stakeholders from other sectors to decide on the steps to be taken for the betterment of the industry regularly

The SIFPA today specifically addressed the recent embargoes issued by certain associations In Tamil Nadu that restrict the release of films unless Producers sign an 8-week OTT window commitment. Following a unanimous discussion among representatives of the Associations from all the film industries of South India, we have reached the following decisions.

The body has rejected unilateralism to ensure fair play for all sectors including producers, distributors, and exhibitors. No association can take unilateral decisions that impact the entire ecosystem without a formal consultative process.

It has also called for stakeholder consultation seeking a joint meeting with all stakeholders on May 10, 2026 in Hyderabad.

Producer members are advised to continue their current production and release processes and are specifically instructed not to issue any individual letters of commitment regarding OTT window to any Association, until a collective decision is reached among all of us in South India.