The Mollywood crisis has further intensified as major producers are still divided on the planned industry-wide strike on June 1. The strike, called by film associations, is against growing financial pressure due to excessive taxation, increasing actor remunerations, and rising production expenses.
Some of the leading producers have expressed their reservations, some in favor of the shutdown as a measure of necessity to force financial relief, while others fear it may go on to destabilize the industry further. The split has initiated fiery debates in Kerala’s cinema fraternity, with key stakeholders fighting to find a common ground.
The economic pressure on Malayalam cinema has been increasing, with star fees and taxes levied a heavy toll on the production houses. Producers point out that small and medium-budget films will again be the sufferer unless immediate action is taken, and new artists will find it increasingly difficult to make a name.
With the date of the strike looming, doubt hangs over film releases and schedules in the future. The leadership in the industry is demanding talks to end the crisis immediately, but in the absence of an agreement, Mollywood may witness a serious shutdown in the near future.
