Resolution Reached Following Tiff with Kerala Film Producers’ Association
After a standoff with the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) over content sharing, PVR INOX multiplexes have reversed their decision to stop screening Malayalam movies. The rift escalated when the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) announced protests against the multiplexes. However, discussions between KFPA representatives and company officials have paved the way for a resolution.
Except at the newly opened screens at Ernakulam and Kozhikode, PVR-Inox will now screen Malayalam movies across India.
Resumption of Screening Company Agrees to Resume Showing Malayalam Movies
B. Rakesh, secretary of the KFPA, confirmed that PVR INOX has agreed to resume screening Malayalam films and is open to discussions to resolve pending issues. The company halted screenings after KFPA demanded lower virtual print fees (VPF) for Malayalam releases, which led to a deadlock.
“We had objected to the unilateral decision taken by PVR INOX to stop screening Malayalam movies,” stated B. Unnikrishnan, general secretary of FEFKA, highlighting the industry’s opposition to the multiplex chain’s actions.
Intervention and Resolution FEFKA’s Role and Crucial Intervention
The intervention of M. A. Yusuff Ali, chairman of the Lulu Group, played a pivotal role in resolving the deadlock. FEFKA’s efforts were also instrumental in facilitating discussions and reaching a truce between the parties involved. Filmmaker Blessy expressed gratitude for FEFKA’s support, emphasizing the losses incurred due to the abrupt halt in screenings.
“We had suffered considerable loss after the movie was pulled out from the screens of the company,” Blessy remarked, acknowledging the impact of the dispute on filmmakers and producers.
Anti-Competitive Concerns Company’s Statement on Procurement of Content
In response to KFPA’s demand to source content exclusively through the association’s network, PVR INOX issued a statement expressing concerns about anti-competitive practices. The company emphasized the importance of fair competition and compliance with legal regulations in the procurement of content for screenings.
