Theatre share should be brought down to 30% ,saysPriyadarshan

The ongoing tussle between between the theatre owners and producers and distributors have resulted in huge losses for the film industry. Several rounds talks were held between the two associations over the profit share issue, but there seem to be no solution as both parties stand firm on their views. Theatre owners association Exhibitors Federation headed by president Liberty Basheer have demanded for a 50-50 share on the theatrical collections of new releases.

Recently director Priyadarshan in a media interaction in Chennai, said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should intervene and find a solution for the issue. He said, “In my opinion, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself should intervene as these talks will only get prolonged. Even if they arrive on a compromise now, there are chances of the issue popping up again in the future.”

He also added that the shares should be brought down to 30% opposed to the existing 40% share. “Most theatres who have called for a strike now are in a dilapidated stage and they are not even ready to improve the facilities. Then how can they demand for a 50% share on the collections?”, asked Priyadarshan.

Many movies scheduled to release for the Christmas season had to be postponed due to the ongoing strike. Many people including AMMA president and MP Innocent have come out criticising the theatre owners’ decision to screen other language movies while stalling Mollywood films. It is now learnt that the Exhibitors Federation are now planning to stall all the releases and close down the theatres till their demands are met.