FEUOK revokes protest, to screen new Malayalam films in theatres

Interestingly, Dileep is the Vice Chairman of FEOUK and producer Antony Perumbavoor is its Chairman. They both own theatres.

A source from FEUOK stated that the protest was called off, pending further discussions on the content mastering unit issue raised by FEUOK concerning the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA).

With this new resolution, all films, including those in Malayalam, will be screened in theatres.

Dileep told the media in Kochi that there would be issues in any family. “The issue started in one theatre and we were not shutting all the theatres. We have issues with other associations but that will be sorted out very soon.”

On 20 February, the FEUOK said it was firm on carrying out their protest.

Also Read: FEUOK stands firm against releasing new Malayalam films in theatres from 23 February

Why was FEUOK protesting?

According to FEUOK President Vijayakumar, producers initially used to pay the Virtual Print Fee (VPF), an amount given to content providers such as Qube, UFO and TSR by producers.

This amount is given for facilitating the process, including uploading the content to servers and screening the films in theatres. But now, they asked the theatre owners to bear the amount, which will only burden the latter.

The FEUOK President averred that exhibitors were not allowed to have projectors of their choice.

“Six members of the producer association have formed a new content mastering unit, where they are also making digital prints of new films. When the unit was launched, it was said only newly-built theatres would have to take content (films) from the company. But now, they are insisting that renovated theatres too must buy content from them,” Vijaykumar said.

He elucidated that the content provided by the new content mastering unit is not compatible with all projectors. As a result, the theatres will be forced to buy expensive digital projectors.

The FEUOK revealed that 65 theatres in Kerala, which were screening films via producers’ content, were blackmailed by the new company.

Also Read: FEOUK decides against screening new Malayalam films in Kerala theatres from next week

Relief for new Malayalam films

Meanwhile, the FEUOK’s decision to screen new Malayalam films came as a huge sigh of relief for the forthcoming releases, including Once Upon a Time in Kochi, Aadujeevitham, and Thankamai. Marivillin Gopurangal, slated for release last week, was put off due to the protest.

Following the FEUOK’s decision against screening the new films in cinema halls, the KFPA and other film associations voiced their concerns. They pointed out that the protest would take a toll on Mollywood, which was registering good business at the box office.