Jayalalithaa's conviction: Kollywood comes to a standstill

Tamil film industry operations such as shootings and theatre screenings came to a grinding halt today as the Kollywood observed a one-day "hunger-strike" here protest against the conviction and jailing of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa.

Movie halls suspended screenings till 6 pm, while ongoing film shootings at different parts of the city were called off for a day in response to the call given by various industry associations such as the Tamil Film Producers Council (TPFC) and South Indian Artists Association (SIAA).

Actors, directors and producers gathered at the protest site near the State Guest House at Chepauk since 8 am and observed the silent fast, in solidarity with the 66-year-old AIADMK chief, a former actor herself. 

Many of the protesters including actor-politician and SIAA President R Sarath Kumar, also a political ally of Jayalalithaa, were seen wearing black shirts or sarees.

Later in the day, various bodies of Tamil cinema industry adopted a resolution saying Jayalalithaa would stage a comeback and assume the post of Chief Minister.

Actors 'Superstar' Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan, Ajith and Vijay could not make it to the protest as they were stated to be preoccupied with shoots outside the state.