Thaindian News

Mumbai, Feb 2 (IANS) The film industry is likely to go on a strike Feb 23 to protest against the the central government’s proposal to levy service tax of nearly 10.3 percent on the industry. Producer Mukesh Bhatt says nothing is confirmed yet and that an announcement will be made in a week’s time.

The strike, called by the Film Federation of India (FFI), will see a nationwide shutdown of the film industry.

“It is still in the process. Nothing has been confirmed yet. Since it’s a nationwide shut down, it will take a week to make an announcement on this,” Bhatt told IANS.

“We will be in a better position to answer by next week,” he added.

The strike will spell major losses for the industry. Bhatt said: “Yes, it will have a strong impact if we go on strike.”

Producer Kumar Taurani told IANS: “I believe it’ll be a one-day token strike to draw the government attention. It’s a good thing. Let’s see what happens.”

Taurni’s film “Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya” is set for Feb 24 release and he feels his film will not be affected by the strike.

“It’s just a one-day strike and my film is releasing the next day, so I am quite confident that my film will be unaffected,” he said.