As the Malayalam film industry crisis continues the release of big-budget films isdelayed. Only three movies could make it to the big screen, whereas much awaited movie, 'Kurukshetra' is still in prints

However, the makers of Mammooty starrer ‘Mayabazar’ succeeded in exhibiting the movie at the right time. But, much hyped Mohan Lal’s ’Kurukshetra’, a big budget war film hasn’t released yet, leaving the producer in dilemma.


Behind the row?

The Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF), had strongly argued for 48 releasing stations in Kerala. But producers and distributors demanded more number of centers.
The non-releasing centers in small towns and villages paid attractive non-returnable money guarantee (from Rs two lakh to five lakh depending on the center) and at the same time federation theaters in towns paid huge advances (ranging from Rs 5 to 15 lakhs), which if the film fails to collect are adjusted against the next film of the distributor.


“If we are increasing the release centers, it will be a boon for producers and distributors as we can collect good amount in the first week itself. Otherwise, pirated CDs will reign supreme and we will bear the brunt,” says a reputed producer.


“Now KFEF are not willing to pay huge advances, as they feel the distributors will soon be asking for money guarantee instead of advances, which they can’t bear. So, the federation wants to restrict the number of releasing centers,” complains a producer.


When contacted by KFEF, the officials were not available to comment on the issue.


On Eid (Oct 1) only Mammooty’s ’Mayabazar’ made it to 70 odd centers in Kerala, alongwith director Jayaraj’s ’Gulmohar’ which had limited release in A centers. Jayaram’s ’Parthen Kanda Paralokam’, also was released on Gandhi Jayanthi (Oct 2).


’Kurukshetra’, still in prints.


At the last minute, much awaited film of the year -- ’Kurukshetra’, did not make it to the theatres. The movie which was originally planned for this Ramzan had censored its final copy by the last week. The producer and distributor, Santosh Damodar said it was a big risk to release only in B and C centers as ‘Kurukshetra’ is a big budget film made at Rs 8 crores.
Santosh said that he is going to start negotiations with KFEF for an amicable settlement, which means the film can release in the next couple of days.