Kerala theatres hoodwinking Dulquer-starrer Kurup producers by fudging ticket sales? FEUOK launches probe

Based on a complaint by Wayfarer Films, Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala has issued a notice seeking the cooperation of all theatres under the body

A still from Kurup

Dulquer Salmaan had announced that his latest release Kurup had crossed Rs 50 crore a few days ago. However, the figures could be much more, if the complaint by the film’s producers Wayfarer Films about some theatres in the State fudging the numbers by allowing more than 50% occupancy but now showing the numbers, holds true.

In response to the complaint by the film’s producers, Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) chairman had issued a notice seeking the cooperation of all theatre under the body and meeting the two demands put forth by Wayfarer Films – to allow them access to the CCTV footages of the theatres from November 12 and also to send them the collection details right after each show.

FEUOK general secretary Sumesh Joseph Manarkattu had also strongly condemned the theatres that hoodwinked the producers by allowing more and not showing it in the records to pocket that money. He wrote that the makers of Kurup were brave enough to release the movie in all theatres when no one else was willing and this malpractice effectively amounted to cheating them. The official further added that it was important that all theatres meet the demand of the producers for better functioning of the industry.

The production company also put up a social media post asking the audience to click photos and send them with the details of the theatres, if they see that the film exhibitors are allowing more people than 50% capacity.

Kurup was released in 505 theatres across Kerala and 1500 screens worldwide. The movie raked in Rs 6.3Cr from the Kerala box office on the first day and within 4 days of its release crossed Rs 50 Cr from worldwide revenue. The film is expected to continue its golden run this week too, despite four new theatrical releases.

The film, directed by Srinath Rajendran, has Dulquer playing the titular character inspired by Kerala’s most-wanted fugitive Sukumara Kurup.

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