'Government has not done anything, it treats film industry like cash cow'; G Suresh Kumar lashes out

KOCHI: Producer G Suresh Kumar has accused the government of doing nothing for the film industry over the past ten years. He said the government treats the film industry like a “cash cow.” Suresh Kumar strongly criticised the government during a press conference held by film organisation representatives.

He said discussions on entertainment tax have been going on for a long time. The tax was withdrawn at one point and later reintroduced. “The government takes whatever it can but gives nothing in return. Other states provide subsidies worth crores of rupees. Here, they give just five lakh rupees. Think about how difficult the situation is. The government has not done a single thing for the film industry in the last ten years. A conclave was held, and we thought something would happen, but nothing happened after that,” he said.

Film Chamber president Anil Thomas also criticised the government at the press conference. He said the government has completely cheated the film industry, comparing it to showing a goat a jackfruit leaf and leading it away. He alleged that the film industry is one of the most heavily taxed sectors and that it is not even considered in the budget.

Meanwhile, film organisations have decided to hold a token protest on January 21, raising various demands. The protest will be jointly organised by the actors' body AMMA, the Producers' Association, and the Film Chamber. Shooting activities will be stopped and theatres will be closed on that day. Producers’ Association president B Rakesh, AMMA general secretary and Kerala State Film Academy vice chairperson Kuku Parameswaran, and others also attended the press conference.