Malayalam film industry to tighten belts

KOCHI - Hit by several flops at the box office, the Malayalam film industry has decided to implement austerity measures and discipline.

A meeting between the Producers Association and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) held here Thursday decided to implement with immediate effect the austerity measures and discipline on the use of mobile phones on shooting locations.

Suresh Kumar, general secretary of the producers association, told IANS that the talks were cordial.

“One of the main points of discussion was the exorbitant remuneration of superstars. It has been found that 60 percent of the total cost of a film goes by way of remuneration. We have decided that the cost of a single superstar film should not exceed Rs.3.50 crore,” said Kumar.

The current rates for superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal has crossed Rs.7.5 million, while Dileep comes next with around Rs.five million.

“The shooting of a film should not exceed 45 days and the script of each film should be handed prior to the shooting to the actors. Moreover the use of mobile phones would be restricted,” said Kumar.

This year of the three dozen films released most have flopped, leaving many producers in dire straits.