The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), representing theatre owners, has chosen to hold a protest by closing cinema halls for two consecutive days, June 7 and 8 in a protest against film personalities opting for early releases of their movies on OTT platforms.
As per reports, the producers of a Malayalam film are granted permission to release it on OTT platforms only after a 42-day interval from its initial theatrical release. However, FEUOK claims that certain filmmakers are disregarding the agreed-upon terms and attempting to release their movies earlier. The protest will be organised as a demonstration of their discontent against this.
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According to FEUOK president K Vijayakumar, the main factor responsible for the decline in theatre attendance is the viewers’ perception that they can easily access movies on their personal devices within a few days of release. This is, according to him, greatly impacting the overall business of cinema halls, reports Indian Express.
“Due to our firm stance, viewers had the opportunity to watch Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham in theatres. While Marakkar had its online premiere after 15 days of its theatrical release, we did not permit any other film to follow suit before completing 30 days. There were attempts made by certain people to introduce the practice of simultaneous theatrical and online releases. They are associated with an international lobby and receive support from influential producers and stars. However, we resisted this move, which compelled them to abandon their plans,” Vijayakumar said while addressing the media in Kochi on Tuesday, reports the publication.
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“Previously, there was a provision for films to choose OTT releases after 32 days of their theatrical release. However, this rule had to be reconsidered as it was found to be impractical. The revised duration was set at 42 days. However, there were exceptions made for certain films such as Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 – Everyone Is A Hero which entered into an OTT agreement before May 31. Going forward, if any film proceeds with an online premiere prior to the 42-day mark after its theatrical release, we will no longer collaborate with the film’s producer(s) and decline to screen their movies in our establishments,” Vijayakumar added.
He added that FEUOK has issued a 20-day ultimatum to the film associations concerned to address their demands. “The current strike has been declared as a warning. If our demands are not met within 20 days, we will initiate an indefinite strike, resulting in the complete closure of our cinema halls," he said.
Furthermore, FEUOK has decided to extend the restrictions by implementing a 90-day limit, during which films will not be permitted to have OTT releases.
He said, “We have given producers three months to prepare. After that, no film will be allowed to conduct an online premiere until 90 days have passed since its theatrical release. We will completely sever ties with producers who violate these conditions.” He also clarified that FEUOK does not object to films opting for direct-to-OTT releases, stating, “If filmmakers inform us in advance, we have no issues. It doesn’t matter which actor is involved or who is producing it. They can proceed with direct-to-OTT releases. However, we will not permit filmmakers to deceive both us and the viewers.”
