Malayalam film industry lifts ban on new releases

KOCHI - The producers and exhibitors of the Malayalam film industry Tuesday decided to lift the ban on the release of new films in view of the possible losses it could incur.

“I am extremely happy to hear this because any delay in releasing new films would be a big blow to the industry. We all wish that there is peace in the industry and it prospers,” said veteran director Sathyan Anthikadu.

The release of Anthikadu’s 50th film “Katha Thudarum” got delayed due to the stir. Starring Jayaram, “Katha Thudarum” will now be released May 7, while superstar Mohanlal starrer “Alexander the Great” will hit the screens Wednesday and Mammootty’s “Pokkiriraja” is slated for Thursday release.

Culture Minister M.A. Baby Sunday had a meeting with all the stakeholders of the industry and decided to appoint a four-member government committee, where in all of them could meet and give their problems in writing. The matters would be heard May 12.

The state government decided to intervene after the Kerala Film Producers’ Association April 16 decided that no new Malayalam film would be allowed to start shooting as a protest against rising production costs and when a few new films slated for release this week did not hit screens as exhibitors threatened to close down theatres if the stalemate between the producers and AMMA was not resolved.

The producers association are cut up with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) to cut production costs but to no avail.

The new films release issue has been settled at the Tuesday meeting, but it could not find a solution for commencing of shooting of new films, but indications are that it would be sorted out in the next meeting.