Theaters across India including Tamil Nadu will be shut down on February 23 in protest against the centre's move to bring cinema industry under the service tax ambit.

A few months back the centre had imposed a service tax of 10.3 % on the film industry. This led to total confusion in the trade on who will pay the tax-exhibitor or distributor from their net share.

Abirami Ramanathan Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Owner's Federation president said: " In keeping with the national decision taken by the film industry there will be no shows in any theatres across India including Tamil Nadu on February 23.The Film Federation of India has proposed this nation-wide shutdown to protest against centre's proposal to levy a service tax of 10.3% on the trade."