Last week, PVR INOX stopped screening Malayalam films nationwide on Eid, causing a setback to the Telugu film industry as well, as the release of Telugu-dubbed Malayalam films was halted. Films like Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life, Aavesham, Varshangalkku Shesham, and Jai Ganesh were affected by the screenings’ suspension.
The Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (ATFPG) has joined hands with Mollywood in the recent dispute with PVR INOX. Last week, PVR INOX stopped screening Malayalam films nationwide on Eid, causing a setback to the Telugu film industry as well, as the release of Telugu-dubbed Malayalam films was halted. ATFPG condemned this move, expressing support with their Kerala counterparts for fair business practices. They tweeted, “We condemn the unilateral removal of Malayalam films across India by a multiplex chain. We stand with our Kerala counterparts in their pursuit of fair business practices. We shall stay united. #ATFPG.” Mythri Movie Makers, whose dubbed screening of Manjummel Boys was affected, echoed this sentiment by sharing the statement.
We condemn the unilateral removal of Malayalam films across India by a multiplex chain. We stand with our Kerala counterparts in their pursuit of fair business practices. We shall stay united. #ATFPG
— Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (@atfpg_guild) April 17, 2024
Sashidhar Reddy of Mythri, distributing the dubbed version of Manjummel Boys in Telangana, raised concerns with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. He argued against stopping Telugu releases due to issues with Kerala producers.
FEFKA held a meeting last week, where it was decided that no Malayalam cinema would be given to PVR theatres until producers were compensated for the loss. However, a resolution seems to have been achieved between the multiplex and them.
The dispute arose over the virtual print fee (VPF) charged by PVR INOX. KFPA introduced their service, Producers’ Digital Content (PDC), in response to high costs charged by other providers. PVR Pictures Limited’s CEO, Kamal Gianchandani, stated that it was ‘illegal’ for KFPA to demand streaming exclusively through PDC, leading to their decision.
Films like Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life, Aavesham, Varshangalkku Shesham, and Jai Ganesh were affected by the screenings’ suspension.
