FEFKA says Mal films won't be given to PVR-owned screen or theatre

Kochi: The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) announced on Saturday that no Malayalam film will be distributed to any PVR-owned screen or cinema until it pays producers in the southern state for the losses they incurred as a result of the multiplex company's refusal to exhibit their films throughout India.

Distinguished producers Blessy Ipe Thomas and Vineeth Sreenivasan were among those in attendance at the press briefing where FEFKA general secretary Unnikrishnan B announced the decision, PTI reported.

Unnikrishnan said that there was an ongoing dispute between PVR and the film producer's association on the issue of a virtual print fee (VPF) charged by the multiplex company.

The producers' association decided not to give any films to PVR's new screen at Forum Mall till the dispute was resolved, he said.

"As a countermeasure, PVR, with a cartel-like strategy, decided not to show any Malayalam film on any of the theatres or screens owned by them across India. This has caused a significant financial loss as well as mental pressure to producers, including Blessy," he said.

He said that PVR does not have the courage to take such a stand in the other south Indian states, but was taking unfair advantage of the Malayalam film industry's view of resolving issues democratically.

"It is not just a question of the problems of the film producers, it is also a question of the pride of Malayalam cinema and Malayalees as a whole.

"Therefore, we have decided that unless the producers are compensated for the loss they have suffered for the number of days their films were not shown, no Malayalam cinema would be given to any PVR theatre or screen anywhere. The producers' association have also assured us of their support," Unnikrishnan said.

Vineeth Sreenivasan said that it was not just an issue of the producers, as it also affects all the artists working in the Malayalam film industry.