Kochi: Films including Baahubali 2: The Conclusion have been withdrawn from multiplex theaters across the state following a row over revenue sharing. Film producers and distributors withdrew the movies from theater chains of PVR, INOX and Cinepolis, as the multiplex theaters refused to accept a reduced profit share.
As per the current accord, multiplexes earn 65 percent of the revenue from the first week after the release of a movie as opposed to the 35 percent revenue share given to regular theaters. However, the filmmakers and distributors demanded the cutting down of the hiked rates for multiplexes and sought to even out their profit share with that of regular theaters. They point out that the so-called regular theaters have facilities at par with that of multiplexes.
However, the multiplexes have opposed the decision to curtail the revenue share, forcing the producers and distributors to call off the films from their theaters.
New releases including Godha and Achayans are not being screened in about 12 multiplex screens in Kochi and Thrissur.
Unofficial discussions have been going on to resolve the issue.
Malayalam film industry had witnessed a similar protest in December, and the release and screening of the films were stalled during the Christmas holidays after the Kerala Film Exhibitors clashed with producers and distributors. The theater shutdown was later called off after the formation of an organization for film exhibitors patronized by actor Dileep.