There was a time when securing a tax-free status for films used to benefit the producers immensely. This is because the entertainment tax usually would be in the range of 20-30%. For a tax-free film, the state government agrees to not charge the entertainment tax at all. As a result, the prices of the tickets would come down, attracting more audience. However, in the post-GST era, the tax charged on film tickets is 12% or 18%. Half of it goes to the central government while the remaining half remains with the state government. Hence, just 6% or 9% of the ticket price gets slashed if a film secures tax exemption from a state. While some believe that the perception of a film being tax-free can still attract an audience, many believe that it’s futile to get tax-free status for films now.
Akshay Kumar belongs to the latter category. Recently, when he was asked if his film Mission Raniganj should get tax exemption, he replied, “Because of GST, tax-free (status) ka ab kuch faayda nahin hai.”
He further said, “The producer has to take it ahead. The actor doesn’t go. The producer has to go (to get tax exemption). The state government has to realize it. OMG 2, for example, is a film about the importance of sex education. It is an important film for society. For such movies, the media decides. The state government decides. The producer also has to take a call. Hum kahan kahan jaayenge?”
A journalist then remarked that he can get the tax-free status done as he is in a pivotal position. He, in his trademark humourous style, replied, “Matlab main bolu aur woh de denge haath mein? Aisa thodi hota hai (smiles).”
Speaking of Mission Raniganj, Akshay Kumar in this thriller plays the role of the late Jaswant Singh Gill, who successfully rescued 65 miners after they were trapped in a coal mine.
Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam starrer OMG 2 to release on Netflix on October 8
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