It's producers Vs exhibitors this Christmas...
The Malayalam film industry has witnessed several strikes and protests over the years but they usually get resolved without causing major damage to any particular section. This time around, however, there seems to be no resolution in the horizon with both the warring parties refusing to budge from their respective stands. While the exhibitors are demanding 50% of the profits from theatres as opposed to the current 40%, the producers are by no means willing to change the status quo, claiming that they are already suffering losses. The two parties had a discussion with Minister AK Balan, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Cinema, who suggested that the status quo be maintained, but the exhibitors were in no mood for a compromise, and the catch 22 situation continues. We speak to Mollywood head honchoes...
We won't give in to pressure: Sabu Cherian, producer
Whenever a film does well, the exhibitors start making new demands. This sudden demand is purely a consequence of Pulimurugan making it to the 100 crore club. Suddenly, everyone wants more than their share of the pie. But producers don't get the entire 100 crores as people imagine. Out of 100 crores, 20 crores go as municipal tax. A minimum of 40% of the rest goes to the exhibitors. The cost of the film comes to 25 crores. And then there is the 33% income tax. In effect, while the exhibitors get 32 crores, producers get only 13 crores. Exhibitors are already getting the lion's share and are asking for more.
Further, it is always the producer who is at a risk, not the exhibitor. If a film doesn't run, only the producer suffers losses. Exhibitors claim that the theatres are all of multiplex standards now. But show me one theatre in Kochi which has a proper parking facility. Just fitting an AC and having twin theatres doesn't make it a multiplex. They think we will give in to pressure as films won't release during Christmas but we are united this time, we won't give in.
Will go for a discussion only if the CM calls it: Liberty Basheer, president, Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation
Producers are the ones who said they are going ahead with the strike. Films are making crores; Pulimurugan made it to the 100 crore club, all this is made by theatres. If producers are suffering losses as they claim, will anyone come into this field? Regarding parking, even many malls don't have parking. Only a few have authorised parking, all others are under scrutiny. Next time, we will go for a discussion only if the Chief Minister calls it.
A strike is not the means to resolve an issue: Jayasurya (lead actor in Fukrey which is supposed to release this week)
Whatever the issue between two groups, the solution should be arrived at in a peaceful manner, through discussions. Cinema is a team effort, so a strike is never an answer for any dispute. It will only bring about losses to producers, distributors and exhibitors. A solution should be arrived at which does not hurt either party. Christmas is a time when people have holidays and they are in a mood to watch movies. It's also the time when NRIs come home to Kerala, when you get maximum footfalls in theatres.
Producers have many avenues for revenue, but not exhibitors: C S Venkiteswaran, film analyst
The revenue model of cinema industry has changed today. The box office is not bringing in revenue like before and 60% of the films don't make money through theatres. Instead they make money through television and DVDs. So the producer has more avenues to sell his films, but not the theatres, which are at a disadvantage. Their only source of revenue is films. Also, with online booking, there is little scope for manipulation of figures like before. Or else they should be given options to conduct other events in film theatres but they are not allowed to either. So when they build a theatre in a prime property, they need to get the money back and it's only logical that they get a better share.
Small films are affected the most: Vinod Mankara, director of Kamboji which was supposed to release last week
Kamboji was supposed to release on the 16th. Christmas releases are all big budget, superstar films and theatres will give priority to them once the strike is resolved. It is the small films like Kamboji which get affected by the strike as it is not easy to find theatres for such films. Theatres are eager to grab only superstar movies and we have to look for slots in between big releases. Releasing the film alongside the other Christmas films is not an option either, as it will get buried amongst the superstar films.
Strike in Kerala theatres: It's producers Vs exhibitors this Christmas! - Times of India
