TFPC restricts reusing old classic titles

The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC), a powerful trade body of Tamil Cinema industry, has announced fresh restrictions on re using the titles of old classical hits for new films.

Keeping titles of old hit films for the new films is the latest trend in the Tamil Cinema industry. Dhanush's Thiruvilayadal, Polladhavan were old film titles, but those have worked big time for him. His next film to be directed by Sooraj, has been tentatively titled as Padikadhavan, also an old Rajinikanth film title. Apart from this, Dhanush registered nearly 6 more titles of old Rajini films including Nallavanukku Nallavan and Murattukkalai for his forthcoming films.

Similarly some 30 plus new films with old titles like Aayirathil Oruvan, Malaikallan, Marmayogi, Nadodi Mannan, Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban etc. are on the way to hit the screens. Almost all MGR and Rajinikanth old titles have become hot at present. Some of these titles are available free as the original title right holders are not bothered to re-register the name after the mandatory 10 years.

A lot of filmmakers are approaching the Tamil Film Producers Council seeking their help to register old hit films or names of yester year actors and Tamil legends. But actually the producers of the old classics are not satisfied with the present trend and conveyed their agony to the TFPC also. The Govt of Tamil Nadu also shared its displeasure over the issue and urged the body to save the originality of the classics.

After reviewing the situation, the Council is now trying to curtail the trend by fixing a huge amount as fee for using the old titles to new films. This amount will be directly paid to the old producers as compensation for using or diluting the originality of the classics.

A timely action indeed!