The film industry in Kerala is facing increased tension as the producers’ and film exhibitors’ associations clash over the release of Malayalam films. Following FEUOK’s announcement that it won’t screen Malayalam movies set to release in theatres from February 22, the Kerala Film Producers’ Association and Film Distributors’ Association have jointly declared they will not cooperate with theatres that do not screen the films as scheduled.
FEUOK, representing theatre owners, claims that film producers are violating the agreed-upon OTT window-period norms, which mandate a 42-day gap between theatre and OTT releases, Manorama Online reported. According to the organisation’s president K Vijayakumar, producers are releasing movies on OTT platforms much earlier, prompting it to take the drastic step of stopping screening new movies.
Meanwhile, The South First quoted its sources as saying that FEUOK has been receiving complaints regarding last-minute movie cancellations in theatres due to a tussle over providing content (digital prints) to exhibitors.
The Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) has apparently banned some newly renovated theatres, stating they won’t receive films unless they obtain content (digital prints of films) from an approved content provider platform.
Kerala Film Producers’ Association regarding the decision of FEUOK – #Mollywood !!
It says #ManjummelBoys will release on the confirmed date itself, and there will be no changes in the dates of upcoming releases as well !! pic.twitter.com/iF8zp91PTn
— Mollywood BoxOffice (@MollywoodBo1) February 17, 2024
According to FEOUK, the producers’ association insist that newly-opened theatres must obtain content (digital prints) provided by their platform, forcing exhibitors to buy projectors that will suit the content provided by KFPA. In Kerala, UFO and Qube are the two major content providers.
While films like Rahul Sadasivan’s Mammootty-starrer Bramayugam and Girish AD’s Naslen and Mamitha Baiju-starrer Premalu won’t be affected by the situation, the highly anticipated Manjummel Boys might be caught in the turmoil.
Last June, FEUOK had staged a protest by shutting down cinema halls for two days, echoing similar demands.