Requested GST rate reduction, says Kamal Haasan

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Monday said he is not pressurising the government, but has made a plea on behalf of regional cinema to reduce the Goods and Service Tax rate which is currently pegged at the highest 28 per cent.

"Not pressurizing. It's a plea and SOS from regional cinema to our FM. We fear it will collapse. We request the council to do all to save it," tweeted Haasan, who had interacting with reporters here last week, urged the Finance Minister to reduce the GST rate to 12-15 per cent.

The "Vishwaroopam" actor welcomed the GST regime but said the 28 per cent tax will ruin regional cinema.

"At the present rate, I can't afford the tax and I'll be forced to quit. We should remember this is not East India Company," he had said, adding that Hollywood, Bollywood and regional cinema can't be put on the same slab.

"Film tickets across industries can't be fixed like essential services," he said.

--IANS

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