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Following the blockage of Malayalam films by PVR INOX nationwide on Eid, the ATFPG issued a statement denouncing the action.
One week after PVR INOX withdrew Malayalam films from screens nationwide on Eid (April 11), only to reinstate them on Vishu (April 14), the Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (ATFPG) has addressed the matter. Highlighting the impact on the Telugu film industry due to the delay in the release of Telugu-dubbed Malayalam films, they have criticized the decision.
ATFPG’s statement
In a statement posted on X, the ATFPG expressed strong disapproval of the unilateral removal of Malayalam films by a multiplex chain across India. They voiced solidarity with their Kerala counterparts in advocating for fair business practices and affirmed their commitment to unity. Additionally, Mythri Movie Makers, whose Telugu-dubbed screening of "Manjummel Boys" was affected, shared and endorsed the statement through a retweet.
Sashidhar Reddy from Mythri, distributing the Telugu-dubbed "Manjummel Boys" in Telangana, lodged a complaint with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce last week. He criticized PVR INOX for halting the Telugu release, stating it's unjust to penalize them over issues with Kerala producers. Reddy emphasized that such actions disrupt revenue streams and announced an upcoming emergency meeting by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce to tackle the matter.
What went down ?
FEFKA convened a meeting last week with Aadujeevitham director Blessy and Varshangalkku Shesham director Vineeth Sreenivasan in attendance. Unnikrishnan B, FEFKA's general secretary, announced, "Unless producers are compensated for lost days of screenings, no Malayalam films will be supplied to any PVR theater." However, it appears a resolution has been reached between the multiplex and FEFKA.
Unnikrishnan asserted that the disagreement between PVR INOX and the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) stemmed from the virtual print fee (VPF) levied by the multiplex. Recently, KFPA launched its own service, Producers’ Digital Content (PDC), dissatisfied with the high costs imposed by QUBE and UFO. Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures Limited, issued a statement on X, stating that it was 'unlawful' for KFPA to demand exclusive streaming via PDC, prompting their stance.
Films that were affected :
In addition to the Telugu-dubbed rendition of Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi’s "Manjummel Boys," theaters were also showcasing Prithviraj Sukumaran’s "Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life," Fahadh Faasil’s "Aavesham," Vineeth Sreenivasan’s "Varshangalkku Shesham," and Unni Mukundan’s "Jai Ganesh" before screenings were halted.
