Rs 100-crore hits fail to save Malayalam cinema from a production crisis
This downturn is impacting film industry workers and creating hesitation among producers, despite the availability of high-quality screens.
This downturn is impacting film industry workers and creating hesitation among producers, despite the availability of high-quality screens.
This downturn is impacting film industry workers and creating hesitation among producers, despite the availability of high-quality screens.
Malayalam cinema, which can boast of several Rs 100 crore-club movies like ‘Thudarum’, ‘Lokah’, and ‘Hridayapoorvam’, is witnessing a sharp decline. While 207 films were released in 2024, this year’s total is expected to barely surpass 150. In October alone, only eight films were registered with the Film Chamber, a stark drop from the usual monthly average of 20. The once-bustling shoots across Kerala and beyond now seem like a thing of the past.
Film production in Kerala is facing a major crisis, worsened by the near-collapse of the OTT market. Streaming platforms now pick up only films that are declared hits or receive strong reviews. On average, Malayalam OTT platforms acquire just around 25 films a year, and that too at competitive prices. The market for satellite rights too has dried up for a long period now
These challenges continue to discourage producers. The monthly publication of box office collection reports by the producers’ association has only added to the hesitation, making many hesitant to invest in new films.
“There is a healthy environment for quality films, which is encouraging. However, the drop in the number of productions will severely impact the livelihoods of workers in the industry,” said producer M Ranjith.
A section of producers attribute the soaring production cost to actors who increased their remuneration during the OTT boom not scaling it down now that OTTs have receded.
While the number of films is dwindling, there’s an ironic surge in the number of high-quality screens. Even small towns now boast technically advanced theatres.
“Kerala once had 1,400 screens across three categories. That number has now dropped to just 625 and all of them are top-class. Still, it cannot be said that the number of screens has increased. Providing a superior viewing experience is good for cinema,” said E V M Ranjith, Vice President of the Film Chamber and a theatre owner.
The production crisis, meanwhile, has hit film industry workers hard. “There are over 5,000 daily-wage workers in Malayalam cinema. Light boys, art assistants, drivers, make-up artists, and costume assistants once worked continuously. Many are now calling to say they can no longer find work,” said director and FEFKA working secretary Sohan Seenulal.