PremiumMalayalis left in dismay with no theatrical releases after February 22; here’s what we know
If the producers are unable to work with the theatre owners' association to resolve the issue of agreement violations, new releases will be temporarily stopped starting February 22.
Last Updated: 12.14 PM, Feb 17, 2024
The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) has announced that there will not be any Malayalam releases after Thursday (February 22), in an unexpected turn of events. If the producers are unable to work with the theatre owners' association to resolve the issues of agreement violations, the move will be put into effect.
Many producers, according to FEUOK, have broken the mutual agreement's regulation that states that a movie can only be released digitally 42 days after its theatrical run. Additionally, they have asked for a 55 percent reduction in the producers' share of theatre revenue from 60 percent.
The association has further asserted that by restricting the number of screenings in theatres with a single screen, producers are supporting multiplexes.
It has been confirmed that the films that are currently showing on big screens will continue to be screened in the interim. Meanwhile, the Film Chamber made it clear that it had not been informed of FEUOK's decision to cease releases on February 22.
Audience left in dismay over FEUOK’s decision
Malayalis are taken aback by the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala's decision to temporarily stop releasing new releases on Thursday, as Manjummel Boys, another highly anticipated Malayalam film of 2024, is scheduled to premiere on the big screen on the same day.
The decision will also have an impact on Nadirshah's upcoming film, Once Upon A Time in Kochi, which opens this Friday (February 23).
Since the end of last year, more people in Kerala have been visiting theatres to watch films, thanks to the release of movies like Mohanlal's Neru and Mammootty's Kathal: The Core. This pattern grew with the arrival of some successful films that have drawn crowds to theatres, such as Mohanlal's Malaikottai Vaaliban and Vinay Forrt's Aattam, in January.
Several eagerly awaited movies, including Mammootty's Bramayugam and Tovino Thomas' Anweshippin Kandethum, were released this month. In addition to this film performing well in theatres, Premalu, a romantic comedy drama, is also receiving great reviews from viewers.