The film producers’ association in Kerala has announced a one-day token strike to press for various demands, including a reduction in actors’ remuneration. However, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has refused to back the protest.
The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce confirmed on Monday that the industry would come to a standstill on the designated strike day, though the exact date is yet to be finalized. The decision followed an executive committee meeting of the chamber, where it was revealed that the Kerala Film Producers Association had earlier requested the chamber’s support for the strike.
During a press conference, office bearers of the chamber clarified that while the protest is based on multiple industry concerns, reducing actors’ remuneration is not one of the chamber’s primary demands.
Producers Defend the Decision
Speaking ahead of the executive committee meeting, producer G Suresh Kumar stated that theatres are operating at a loss and reaffirmed the necessity of the strike. He emphasized that the protest is not directed against actors but is aimed at addressing the financial crisis in the industry.
“Everyone involved in cinema must act responsibly. If we wanted to halt film production, we would have done so. The issues will be discussed with the actors’ association, AMMA. However, actors should reconsider their remuneration,” he said.
The decision to publicly disclose box office collections has also caused friction among industry bodies. However, Kumar, who is the vice-president of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association and a former president of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, stated that the practice of releasing box office figures will continue.
Internal Rift Among Producers
The announcement of the strike has exposed divisions within the producers’ association. Senior producer Antony Perumbavoor criticized Suresh Kumar for unilaterally declaring a strike from June 1 without securing the majority’s support. In a Facebook post, Perumbavoor argued that such decisions should be taken collectively.
Responding to the criticism, Kumar dismissed Perumbavoor’s concerns, stating, “There is no room for further talks with Antony Perumbavoor. His Facebook post was inappropriate, and I see no reason to communicate with him.”
AMMA Stands Apart
Meanwhile, AMMA has decided not to support the strike but has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions about actors’ remuneration. This decision was taken during a meeting at AMMA’s office in Kochi, which was attended by around 50 actors, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Manju Pillai, Bindu Panicker, Tovino Thomas, Saikumar, Vijayaraghavan, Joju George, Biju Menon, Basil Joseph, and Ansiba Hassan.
Sources By Agencies
