MUMBAI: Expressing their solidarity with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and a former actor J Jayalalithaa, members of the Tamil cinema industry on Tuesday embarked on a day-long silent fast on 30 September.

Over 300 Tamil film actors, directors, producers and more than 3000 film workers have gathered at Marina beach to join the protest. Various industry associations, including Tamil Nadu Producers' Council (TPFC) and South Indian Artists' Association (SIAA) besides others and small screen personalities also participated in the fast.

Noted actors taking part in the protest include R Sarath Kumar, directors Vikraman and Liaqath Ali Khan, producers S Thanu and T Siva among others.

All theatres in the state will also be shut down and films will only be screened only after 6 pm on Tuesday.

Jayalalithaa was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore on 27 September by a Bangalore special court judge, who found her guilty in the Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets case.