In a press release, AMMA stated that only a portion of people in the industry wanted to proceed with the strike and alleged that their stance could push the industry into further crisis.
Published Feb 26, 2025 | 9:28 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 26, 2025 | 12:40 PM
Malayalam film associations' feud intensifies amid June strike call. (iStock)
Tensions have escalated in the Malayalam film industry after the actors’ body Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on Monday, 24 February criticised the strike call given by the producers’ association.
The Monday meeting—held with multiple film associations in Kochi—convened by the AMMA saw a strong stance against the total shutdown. AMMA emphasized that such a move was unacceptable and expressed their willingness to discuss the issue of remuneration with the producers’ association.
While the industry is no stranger to controversies, this new issue has a twist, with prominent names—once close friends—now turning into rivals, blaming each other on social media and at press conferences.
In January the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), the Film Distributors Association, and the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEOUK) called for a strike from 1 June 2025. They stated that the year 2024, considered successful saw only 24 hits among the 200 releases.
“In recent years, production costs in Malayalam cinema have increased several-fold, and the government is not offering any assistance. They have not introduced any financial aid for the cinema industry, even in the new budget,” the associations’ stated.
The association also disclosed that out of the 28 films released in January, only one, Rekhachithram, was a superhit.
They demanded that actors reduce their remuneration, citing high production costs and a lack of profits for producers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the producers noted that OTT deals were not helping them recover production expenses.
In a press conference, the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) announced a token strike for one day, raising several demands, including a reduction in actors’ remuneration. While the date has not yet been confirmed, it will reportedly be on 27 March— the release date of Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan.
In what appears to be an attack on Empuraan and its producer Antony Perumbavoor, another new move on Wednesday, 26 February, mandates that films released after 25 March must seek permission from the Film Chamber before signing contracts. This has received full support from the FEUOK, with the Chamber justifying its action as a “legitimate demand” and claiming backing from several other organizations.
In a press release, AMMA stated that only a portion of people in the industry wanted to proceed with the strike and alleged that their stance could push the industry into further crisis.
The emergency meeting, called by the association to address the industry’s issues, was attended by actors such as Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Siddique, Ansiba, Sai Kumar, Jayan Cherthala, Bindu Panicker, Sarayu, Vijayaraghavan, and others.
According to sources, actors and technicians who are also producers are unhappy with the producers’ association’s position. It was noted that the president of the producers’ association, Anto Joseph, is currently helming a big-budget movie starring Mammootty and Mohanlal. However, his association is simultaneously speaking out against big-budget films and high remuneration.
Meanwhile, actors such as Aju Varghese and Unni Mukundan, both of whom are also producers, have expressed their opposition to the strike.
On Sunday, 23 February, the Director’s Union of FEFKA passed a resolution against the strike call and informed their parent association, FEFKA, of their decision.
Speaking to the media, G Suresh Kumar, Vice President of KFPA, stated that theatres are operating at a loss and made it clear that they would not back down from the decision to strike.
Emphasizing that the protest was not directed against actors, Suresh Kumar said, “Everyone involved in cinema must act responsibly. If we wanted to halt film production, we would have done so. The issues will be discussed with the actors’ association, AMMA. However, actors should reconsider their remuneration.”
When asked about any discussions with Antony Perumbavoor, Suresh Kumar stated that there was no room for further talks with him. “His Facebook post was inappropriate, and I see no reason to communicate with him,” he said.
Antony Perumbavoor and Suresh Kumar, two major producers, were embroiled in a controversy over the strike called by KFPA. Suresh Kumar sharply criticized Antony Perumbavoor, claiming that Antony was supported by several stars in the industry.
Antony’s detailed Facebook post earlier this month expressed his disinterest in the strike, which angered the KFPA.
On Monday, 24 February, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, another association, threw its support behind KFPA and warned of action against Antony Perumbavoor if he does not remove his Facebook post criticizing Suresh Kumar. This highlighted the ongoing infighting and crisis within the industry.
A separate meeting of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce was also held on Monday to discuss the proposed strike. The Producers’ Association had sought support from the Chamber for the strike.
Meanwhile, director Sibi Malayil, President of FEFKA, expressed concerns about the strike. He stated that FEFKA would strongly communicate the issue with the Producers’ Association and added that the strike would negatively impact the employees in the industry.
A major point of discussion following the strike call by film associations was the rise of actors becoming producers.
G Suresh Kumar had previously noted that many production houses were established after COVID-19 because people had become addicted to OTT platforms due to the lack of theatre options. “At this time, actors and technicians also started production houses, hoping to profit from OTT deals. But over time, the terms for these deals changed, and now they aren’t acquiring as many films,” he said.
Producers and FEUOK (Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala) stated that they would not exhibit movies produced by actors.
An industry insider, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that the main issue for producers is that actors are producing movies themselves, leaving traditional producers unable to secure their dates. “Even when they manage to get the dates, the actors are charging enormous amounts in remuneration,” he said.
“No one can restrict anyone from doing business. Now, producers are also owning theatres,” he added.
Interestingly, last year’s successful films of 2024 like Manjummel Boys, Aavesham, Premalu, and Bramayugam were produced by actors.
According to sources, many exhibitors are against Antony Perumbavoor because he opted for a direct OTT release for Mohanlal’s Drishyam 2 (2022), which became a success on Amazon Prime.
Now, it remains to be seen whether the industry will come to a standstill due to the strike.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
