Protesting against early OTT releases, movie theatres in Kerala to remain shut for 2 days

According to FEUOK president K Vijayakumar, the main factor responsible for the decline in theatre attendance is the viewers’ perception that they can easily access movies on their personal devices within a few days of release. This is, according to him, greatly impacting the overall business of cinema halls.

“Due to our firm stance, viewers had the opportunity to watch Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham in theatres. While Marakkar had its online premiere after 15 days of its theatrical release, we did not permit any other film to follow suit before completing 30 days. There were attempts made by certain people to introduce the practice of simultaneous theatrical and online releases. They are associated with an international lobby and receive support from influential producers and stars. However, we resisted this move, which compelled them to abandon their plans,” Vijayakumar said while addressing the media in Kochi on Tuesday.

“Previously, there was a provision for films to choose OTT releases after 32 days of their theatrical release. However, this rule had to be reconsidered as it was found to be impractical. The revised duration was set at 42 days. However, there were exceptions made for certain films such as Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 – Everyone Is A Hero which entered into an OTT agreement before May 31. Going forward, if any film proceeds with an online premiere prior to the 42-day mark after its theatrical release, we will no longer collaborate with the film’s producer(s) and decline to screen their movies in our establishments,” Vijayakumar added.

Vijayakumar also strongly criticised actors who own production houses, accusing them of endorsing and being driven by greed. “Engaging in such behaviour is ungrateful. Since these actors assumed the role of producers, they have actively endorsed the practice of releasing their movies on OTT platforms shortly after their theatrical releases. They hold full responsibility for the decline of the business.”

He added that FEUOK has issued a 20-day ultimatum to the film associations concerned to address their demands. Vijayakumar stated, “The current strike has been declared as a warning. If our demands are not met within 20 days, we will initiate an indefinite strike, resulting in the complete closure of our cinema halls.”

Furthermore, FEUOK has decided to extend the restrictions by implementing a 90-day limit, during which films will not be permitted to have OTT releases. He remarked, “We have given producers three months to prepare. After that, no film will be allowed to conduct an online premiere until 90 days have passed since its theatrical release. We will completely sever ties with producers who violate these conditions.” He also clarified that FEUOK does not object to films opting for direct-to-OTT releases, stating, “If filmmakers inform us in advance, we have no issues. It doesn’t matter which actor is involved or who is producing it. They can proceed with direct-to-OTT releases. However, we will not permit filmmakers to deceive both us and the viewers.”

The FEUOK chief, however, said that not all producers were following this practice. “It’s just one or two producers and their supporters who are doing this.” When questioned about the government’s lack of intervention in a situation that would adversely impact the entertainment tax it is entitled to receive, Vijayakumar responded, “Undoubtedly, this is also affecting the government, but it was unaware of the issue until recently, similar to the producers’ association. However, I believe the government has now recognised the problem. We have already engaged in discussions with the minister concerned, presenting them with data and other reports. The minister has assured us that the matter will be addressed and vigorously advocated for.”

Commenting on the protest call by cine-hall owners, 2018’s director Jude Anthany Joseph wrote on Facebook: “I only have respect for theatre owners’ protest. I follow the practice of making sure that my producers are safe (financially) before the release of my film. That’s why when SonyLIV approached with a deal, it was seen as a blessing from god. This was not done on purpose. This is part of business. I thank Sony Liv for trusting our film before the release, and I thank all for loving our film. The theater owners and the audiences, you are the real heroes❤️😍.”

The association had last month announced that it was planning to refrain from screening films that were of substandard quality. “In the event that a film producer, whose film has been declined approval by theatres, desires to exhibit their film in cinemas, they will be required to pay screening fees to the theatre owners,” the association had stated.

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