No more films in government-run theatres from January; Kerala Film Chamber hardens stance

KOCHI: Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce said they had enough of the ignorance and decided not to cooperate with the government. A decision was taken not to screen films in government-controlled theatres from January. The decision was announced at a press conference held in Kochi under the leadership of Chamber President Anil Thomas.

The Film Chamber alleged that despite the film industry contributing crores of rupees to the exchequer in taxes, the government decided to turn their back on them at a time of crisis. Therefore, the Chamber's move is to completely exclude KSFDC theatres and end all cooperation with the government. Ignoring petitions submitted to the government over the last ten years is believed to have incensed the chamber.

The organisation said that the current theatre boycott was just a start and warned of strict action if their demands continue to be ignored. The demands include withdrawing the additional entertainment tax levied by the government in addition to the existing GST, and allowing special concessions in electricity rates for theatres.

The chamber also demanded government intervention in these matters. Meanwhile, the Malayalam film industry is in a muddle, fearing a crisis if movies are not allowed to screen in government-owned theatres.