Cinema halls in most of the States in India are debarred from screening non-film content. Non-recorded entertainment programs and sporting events like cricket matches can't be screened in cinema halls by law.
The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners' Association, which has been trying to increase the revenues of its members, is trying hard to change the rule. In Tamil Nadu, certain regulations under the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955, and its associated rules, the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957 debar the screening of, say, IPL matches.
Cricket matches have lots of craze in India. IPL matches involving CSK could generate humongous revenues because cricket lovers want a communal experience. But since sporting events are not certified by the CBFC, cinema halls can't screen them. If laws are amended to allow the screening of non-censored content, theatres and multiplexes can benefit.
Tamil Nadu theatres have been reeling under losses because of the ongoing crisis of content as well as the OTT-induced crisis.
