FEFKA Demands Compensation For Losses As PVR INOX Finally Agrees to Screen Malayalam Films

PVR INOX’s sudden removal of Malayalam films shocked the industry.

The Malayalam film industry faced a sudden setback when major multiplex chains like PVR and INOX withdrew Malayalam films from screens across the country. This move also affected industries like Telugu, which had acquired dubbing rights to Malayalam films and suffered losses due to the sudden removal of these films. Despite resistance from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), it looks like a resolution has now been reached. Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures Limited, retweeted a statement on Saturday evening suggesting that the multiplex chain will resume screening Malayalam films from Vishu (April 14), following the stopping of screenings on Eid (April 11).

The statement shared by industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai reads, “#PVRINOX vs Kerala Film Producers Association issue over #VPF resolved! #PVRINOX Will start advance booking in all their properties for new and earlier released #Malayalam films with immediate effect. Probably from late tonight or tomorrow- #Vishu day!”

Earlier on Saturday, FEFKA announced that no Malayalam films would be shown in PVR INOX theaters until producers were compensated for recent losses. Unnikrishnan B, FEFKA’s general secretary, made this announcement during a press conference attended by directors Blessy and Vineeth Sreenivasan, according to PTI.

Unnikrishnan explained that the dispute between PVR INOX and the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) was about the virtual print fee (VPF) charged by the multiplex. Upset with the high costs, the KFPA launched its own service called Producers’ Digital Content (PDC). Kamal had previously argued that it was ‘illegal’ for the KFPA to require exclusive use of PDC for streaming films, leading PVR INOX to take a stand.