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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The promotion strategy for every film is different: Manju Gopinath
Manju Gopinath reflects on her decade-long journey as the first woman publicist in Malayalam cinema, highlighting her focus on professionalism and human connection. She emphasizes the importance of tailored promotional strategies for each film, drawing on her journalism background. Gopinath cherishes moments like uniting actors amidst controversy and hopes to inspire more women to enter film PR, having worked on over 200 films and currently serving as FEFKA treasurer. As she finishes a decade, starting as the first woman publicist in the Malayalam film industry, Manju Gopinath tells us that she looks back with satisfaction at her journey. 'It is not just about the professionalism I was able to bring to my work, but also the humane side that I have been able to tap into,' she says. Film PR, she says, is basically about building publicity around the release of a film. 'So, it involves coordinating interviews and media promotions, among other things. The promotions have to be planned differently for each film, depending on the subject, budget and star. You have to build a strategy around how to do it and work with the film's team on how to promote it,' says Manju, who started her career as a TV journalist and was encouraged to try film PR by filmmaker Jayaraj, while she worked as an RJ. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'My background in journalism has worked in my favour, because I have contacts and know how the media works,' adds Manju, who started with Mammootty starrer 'Munnariyippu' in 2014. 'I received his support and have always been supported by producers Anto Joseph and Listin Stephen,' she says. Soothravakyam - Official Trailer She shares that she has had some special moments in her work, such as bringing actors Shine Tom Chacko and Vincy Aloshious to promote Soothravakyam . 'There had been a controversy over drug usage, but I said, let's see if the artistes can look beyond that and promote the film together. They very graciously did and shook hands at a press event. I was so happy that apart from being a film promotion, it was also such an emotional and humane moment,' she says. Manju says that she is happy to be a trailblazer for women PR in the industry. 'Now, Shwetha Menon is contesting as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists. And I hope, I, too, can be considered an example and more young women can come into this field,' she says. Meanwhile, Manju Gopinath has worked in over 200 plus films and is currently the treasurer in FEFKA.
New Indian Express
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
At open forum, junior artists object to agents' cut
Junior artists are often arranged by coordinators through such agents, Hari said 'We are often allotted up to Rs 1,500, but end up getting just Rs 500-600,' he said. 'We have our disagreements with the initial policy framework forwarded by the government, which empowers these agents,' MAAK president Shaijunath P said. The plight of female junior artists is even more pathetic, said Shobhana Sundaran, an artist from Thrissur. 'For female artists, a clean toilet is more important than food, which is not available on many sets,' she said. Adding that many continue to work as junior artists despite challenges due to lack of other work opportunities, she said that though they are often hired by trustworthy people, the situation, more often than not, ends up going south. 'While shooting of L2: Empuraan, we were left stranded at midnight without proper accommodation. It was arranged after several hours,' she said. The film policy, which the government is looking to roll out within two months, is expected to address their issues as well. Meanwhile, Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA)officials refuted the claims. 'We provide food on film sets based solely on head count, without any discrimination,' FEFKA Production Executives' Union joint secretary Shaji Pattikkara told TNIE, adding that it is impractical not to assign agents for access to junior artists.
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala Film Policy Conclave: Minimum wages, basic facilities on sets, effective ICC among issues raised on film conclave
The first day of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave, organised by the Culture department on Saturday witnessed discussions on a host of issues related to the Malayalam film industry, ranging from those related to contractual agreements and minimum wages to gender justice, inclusivity and even the high price of food and beverages in cinema theatres. Briefing the media on the discussions, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian said that the suggestions that came up at the conclave will be published on a website for public comments after which the government plans to prepare the film policy within two months. One of the major issues raised regarding women's safety on sets was the need for improving the functioning of the internal complaints committee with clear definitions of workplace. Safe places to stay and all basic facilities should be ensured for women during the duration of the shooting. Maternity leave and other benefits as well as creche facilities can be considered. Representatives at the conclave pointed out that gender equality still does not exist in the cinema sector. A system should be created for appeals. Legal protection against cyber attacks and online hate campaigns was demanded. On working hours The long and irregular working hours in the industry became a point of discussion in another panel. Demand was raised for overtime wages. Guaranteed jobs, especially for those in departments with lower pay, was another suggestion as the lean periods are often longer between two films. The wage disparity within the sector also was raised, with complaints that as much as 80% of the production budget of some films was spent on the lead actors, while a large section remained underpaid. Mr. Cherian said that though there is no clarity on ways to address this issue, steps can be initiated to address it in the longer term. Although the issue of lack of contracts was raised, officials of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) claimed that the allegation is not entirely true. The discussion on use of technology witnessed divergent views with some in favour of making use of it efficiently while others expressed concern whether it will devour the soul of cinema. Government subsidies for independent films should be increased. Theatre release and OTT entry of independent films should be ensured. Atleast one show for independent films should be guaranteed. A State-level jury was suggested to select films to be sent to various international film festivals. Entertainment tax Exhibitors reiterated the demand to do away with entertainment tax as they are also paying GST. They also demanded that the government provide loans at low interest rates to modernise theatres. Legal protection was demanded to prevent film ratings from being manipulated. Even low budget independent films should be ensured a minimum run in the theatres so that they can recoup the investments. The issues in the television serial sector were also discussed at the conclave. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the conclave earlier on the day.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Film bodies unhappy over name change of JSK movie
Kochi: General secretary of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), B Unnikrishnan, criticised Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its stand in court regarding the change in the name of the movie Janaki V/s State of Kerala. Expressing strong protest against CBFC, Unnikrishnan stated that the board's arguments were strange. He sarcastically asked whether Harris Beeran, the lawyer who argued the case for the makers of JSK, could take up a case for someone named Janaki in the future. "Janaki is another name for Sita Devi, who is worshipped by Hindus. In the film, the character Janaki is a victim of sexual assault. CBFC shamelessly stated in an affidavit that it is inappropriate to name victims of sexual assault as Janaki. They also highlighted that the lawyer in the movie is from a different religion, suggesting that the lawyer will ask Janaki very challenging questions, which could lead to communal discord. What kind of sensibility is being shown here?" he asked. Unnikrishnan said CBFC is a highly autonomous body and it took an ideological stance without any disguise, which the organisation cannot accept. Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) also opposed the change in the name of the movie. The secretary of the association, B Rakesh, said the organisation cannot agree with such decisions. "But we will support the producer as he was forced to change the name," he said.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Malayalam film bodies protest Censor Board's demand to change Janaki title
In a significant protest against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), film associations in the Malayalam film industry have rallied together to oppose the board's demand for a title change in the Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Janaki vs State of Kerala'. The dispute stemmed from the CBFC's insistence on changing the film's title as Janaki refers to the Hindu Goddess Monday, artists and professionals from the Association for Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), the Producers Association, and (The Film Employees Federation of Kerala) FEFKA gathered in front of the CBFC's regional office in Thiruvananthapuram to express their controversy started when the CBFC expressed concerns about the film's title, 'Janaki', which they argued refers to the Hindu Goddess Sita. The CBFC's request for a name change has delayed the film's release, originally slated for June 20. This demand has sparked considerable unrest among the film's creators and supporters, who view it as 'arbitrary' and 'unwarranted' interference. B Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of FEFKA, voiced his concerns, describing the CBFC's demand as 'disturbing' and 'arbitrary'. He stated, "We are also not very sure or clear about the issue regarding the film JSK. But from our conversation with the director, what we understand is that the CBFC is very keen that the name of the protagonist (played by Anupama Parameswaran), that is Janaki, be changed to something else. They have some problems with the connotations of the name Janaki."advertisementDespite the CBFC's concerns, the director of 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' has clarified that the film does not include any religious references. Unnikrishnan further commented, "The film doesn't have any specific religious references or allusions, according to the director. So this decision is really disturbing and is very arbitrary."The film, starring Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, has been met with strong reactions from within the industry and political figures. Binoy Viswam, CPI State Secretary, noted that "the protest was triggered by the recent incident of CBFC asking to remove Janaki from the title of the film. They have also demanded that the protagonist's name should be changed from Janaki to something else."Unnikrishnan emphasised the broader implications of the CBFC's actions, urging unity among artists and citizens who believe in cultural diversity. He stated, "It needs to be opposed not only by the artist but by everybody who is committed to the cause of the country's diversity, dedicated to the country's art and culture. All should come together."The film has already been cleared with a U/A certificate by the CBFC's regional office in Thiruvananthapuram but is now facing hurdles at the Mumbai headquarters. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming legal proceedings, with producers seeking clarity from the Kerala High Court on the CBFC's directive.'Janaki vs State of Kerala' tells the story of a woman who faced sexual assault and is pursuing a legal fight against the state.- Ends
