There is a respite for films like '3' and 'Saguni', whose releases were postponed following a decision by Tamil Film Produces Council that 'big movies' could be released only on five occasions a year.

Following requests from its own members and other stake holders of the industry like distributors and exhibitors, the TFPC has relaxed the norms, allowing Big Films to hit the screens on eight occasions a year.

Says SA Chandrasekhar, president of TFPC, "in addition to the five announced dates (Pongal, Tamil New Year Day, May Day, Independence Day and Deepavali), big films can be released on the first week of March and June and mid-December."

Last month, the Producers Council came with this curfew after it felt that the release of big films throughout the year affect the prospects of small movies in the box-office. Also, small budget movies find it difficult to get theatres thanks to competition from their 'big brothers'.