KOCHI: Much to the disappointment of film buffs, all Malayalam movies that were screened at three prominent multiplexes in Kerala - Cinepolis, PVR and Inox- have been withdrawn. The move follows a disagreement over revenue sharing between exhibitors and distributors.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which was running in packed houses, was also withdrawn.
As per the present clause, multiplexes are eligible for 50 per cent of the revenue on the first week but their share increases to almost 70 per cent in the third week.
According to Suresh Kumar, president, Kerala Film Producers' Association, the rates have to be revised for the Malayalam industry to survive.
"We are asking for 55 per cent of the profit. The multiplexes are disregarding norms and screening movies as per their whim. We need to rein in this attitude of corporates. Henceforth if multiplexes need Malayalam movies, they should agree to our demands," he said.
Suresh Kumar added that these multiplexes never paid the producers and distributors on time.
Kerala Film Distributors Association president Ziyad Koker said the move was in the offing for some time. "We agreed to the 50/50 terms when multiplexes were maintaining high standards, compared to single screens and non-AC theatres in the State. But, things have changed and a majority of single screens and theatres in Kerala maintain standards at par with multiplexes. So, they can raise the 50/50 demands too. This will affect the industry," he said.
While, meetings are on between multiplexes and distributors in this regard, a consensus is expected for next week.
The new move has affected the revenue of new releases, including Godha and Achayans in Kochi, which has a huge multiplex trend. According to Basil Joseph, Godha not playing in major multiplexes has affected it. "The crisis has snowballed ever since the release of Baahubali 2. Now, this has affected Godha in Kochi," Joseph said.
However, according to Suresh Kumar, this will only affect places like Kochi where there is a huge crowd thronging the multiplexes.