Close on the heels of unveiling the statue of thespian Sivaji Ganesan, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi gave a pleasant surprise to the Tamil film fraternity through a slew of sops announced in the State Budget present in the State Assembly Saturday.
The budget promised exemption of entertainment tax for movies titled in Tamil, providing Rs 95 lakh as financial assistance for a film being made on rationalist leader Periyar and plans to construct a state-of-the-art film city.
A host of producers and directors have welcomed the concessions shown to the film industry.
Tamil Film Producer Council president Rama Narayanan hailed the announcements and said it would usher a speedy growth and create a healthy industry.
Veteran producer A V M Saravanan said, 'The announcements has come handy at a time when the industry is facing some crisis'.
Producer - director Saran, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and Tamil Directors Association have also thanked Chief Minister for the concessions given.