MUMBAI: The cinema industry strike in Rajasthan, which was to commence from 5 September, has been called off.
Late last night (4 September), Rajashtan R VAT chairperson Satya Narayan Gupta met a delegation of seven people comprising Central Cine Circuit Accociation (CCCA) president Santosh Singh Jain, Yash Raj Films distributor Sunil Bansal, Marudhar Entertainment’s Amitabh Lodha, A A Films’ Kailash Sharma and two more professionals from the film trade.
Speaking to Businessofcinema.com Bansal says, "We spoke to Gupta and told him that it is unfair to charge us for VAT on entertainment, especially when no other state in India is paying for it. We are hopeful that a favorable decision will be arrived at within the next 10 days."
Gupta heard the members’ plea and conveyed the message to Rajasthan chief minister Vasunshara Raje. He assured that a decision would be arrived at within 10 days.
In the light of this development, movies lined up this month – A Wednesday, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Hijack, Saas Bahu Aur Sensex, Ru Ba Ru, Hulla, Tahaan and The Last Lear – will see an uninterrupted release in the state.
As was first reported by Businessofcinema.com, distributors and exhibitors in Rajasthan united to call on a strike in retaliation to the notice issued to few distributors regarding payment to be made towards VAT on movies.
