'Cannot agree with decision to stage strike'; AMMA rejects producers' demand to reduce actors' remuneration

KOCHI: The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has rejected the Film Producers’ Association's demand for actors to reduce their remuneration. AMMA stated that it cannot agree with the decision to stage a strike and also clarified that it will not accept any restrictions on actors’ involvement in both acting and film production. Several actors, including Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Manju Pillai, Basil Joseph, Ansiba, Tovino Thomas, Saikumar, and Vijayaraghavan, attended the AMMA meeting held at its Kochi office today.

The meeting was convened in the wake of ongoing discussions regarding actors' remuneration. Producers had proposed certain conditions, such as paying remuneration in instalments. However, AMMA has not clarified whether it will negotiate or soften its stance on the matter.

Meanwhile, a film industry strike has been announced from June 1 following a joint meeting of various film organizations. The strike demands include the removal of entertainment tax along with GST and a reduction in actors’ high remuneration.

Producers pointed out that actors are unwilling to lower their pay despite the film industry facing a severe financial crisis. They also claimed that several attempts to negotiate with the government regarding entertainment tax had failed. As a result, both film production and screenings will be halted from June 1.

Even newcomers are reportedly demanding high fees. In addition to remuneration, actors’ payments include GST, adding an extra financial burden. The government-imposed entertainment tax further increases costs. The Producers' Association had previously sent a letter to AMMA demanding a reduction in actors’ fees. They also requested that the existing rule of paying actors before dubbing be changed so that full payment is made only before the film’s release.