A new association has been formed by the Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchepuram, North Arcot, South Arcot and Pondicherry Theatre Owners Association.

R Paneerselvam of Rohini Theatre will be the president while Munikanniah of Sathyam Cinemas is the vice-president.

One of the most popular stars in Tamil cinema Karthi who has been named "VetriNayagan" by theatre owners inaugurated the new association by symbolically lighting the traditional lamp.

Karthi was shooting in Mumbai flew down to Chennai to take part in the event. Said Karthi : " Theatres have played a big role inpopularising my movies in Tamil Nadu, and I have visited most of them during the release of my films."

R Paneerselvam the president of the new theatre owners association said: " Our aim is to improve the theatres and Tamil cinema. We want to eradicate pirated CD's and let theatres function successfully. The idea is all to sort out various issues facing the theatre industry in TN."