A dispute arose between the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and PVR INOX over the producers’ new content distribution company (PDC). Here’s what exactly happened.
Kochi: PVR and INOX cinemas stopped showing Malayalam films across India due to a disagreement with the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA). This dispute resulted in the removal of both new releases like Aavesham, Varshangalkk Shesham, and Jai Ganesh, and recent releases like Aadujeevitham and Manjummel Boys, from theaters in Kerala and throughout the country. Read on.
KFPA’s Quarrel with PVR INOX
A dispute arose between the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and PVR INOX over the producers’ new content distribution company (PDC). The KFPA wanted cinemas in Kerala to exclusively use PDC, but PVR INOX disagreed. In retaliation, PVR INOX stopped screening all Malayalam films, including dubbed versions playing in other states. This decision impacted filmmakers who had invested in dubbing rights for Malayalam movies.
On Thursday, Sasidhar Reddy, the distributor of the Telugu-dubbed version of “Manjummel Boys” for Mythri Movies, filed a complaint with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. He spoke to the media about the situation, “How can PVR INOX stop the Telugu release of Manjummel Boys if they have an issue with producers in Kerala? It is unfair to stop shows like this when they’re collecting good money. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce will hold an emergency meeting soon to address this issue (sic).”
In a statement released on X, Kamal Gianchandani, the head honcho of PVR Pictures Limited, addressed the issue. The statement read, ”Our newly inaugurated 9-screen cinema, PVR FORUM Kochi, has been advised by the Association to source Malayalam movie content exclusively through one channel (sic).”
He further added, “Such an action of forcing an exhibitor to procure content from only one source is anti-competitive in nature and prohibited under the law. As a law-abiding member of the Indian film industry, we are unable to comply with this advice (sic).”
Statement regarding release of Malayalam Films at PVR Forum Kochi #PVRINOX #Malayalam #Malayalamfilms pic.twitter.com/f92VnZLoaV
— Kamal Gianchandani (@kamalgianc) April 11, 2024
PVR INOX says they are happy to show Malayalam films throughout India, but there seems to be a contradiction. They aren’t currently showing new Malayalam releases, even dubbed versions, outside of Kerala. The reason given is that their content distribution system is centralised across the country. The KFPA is yet to release a statement to PVR’s response.
