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Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
KFPA sends letter to producers explaining release of monthly theatre collection report
With dissenting views cropping up within the organisation over publishing of monthly theatre collection reports of new movies, Kerala State Film Producers' Association (KFPA) has come out with an explanation, saying the decision was meant to inform prospective investors about the present financial crisis in the industry. In a letter to all its members, KFPA secretary B Rakesh said the misleading interpretations about the association's decisions were 'painful and baseless.' Certain vested interests are carrying out a propaganda that the KFPA's decision is meant to discourage new investors and protect the businesses of the leaders of the association, he said in the letter. The letter said the decision to publish the theatre collection report of all movies getting released in Kerala was taken three months back, keeping in mind the well-being of producers. Film production in Kerala has been encountering several hurdles and has reached a critical situation wherein a review of the costs involved in production and its returns should be made known to all, it said. 'The Malayalam cinema is going through an unprecedented crisis in terms of collection from theatres. Though the producers got some revenue through OTT platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic period, the situation changed later when producers had to get their revenue from theatre collection alone,' the letter said. The production cost of Malayalam films has also increased substantially with the high remuneration claimed by actors and technicians of late. The government's double taxation (GST+ entertainment tax) also contributed to the decrease in the number of viewers in theatres. The KFPA committee had unanimously decided to release the details of monthly collection from theatres in such a situation. At this point, the producers cannot get gross collection from theatres even to cover the remuneration being demanded by film stars, it said. The KFPA tried to hold talks with film actors through the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on the actor remuneration issue, but they informed that the discussions can be held only after their general body elections to choose new office-bearers. The decision to release the theatre collection report was taken to provide correct information to prospective producers about the prospects and pitfalls in the field, the letter said. Only a few films which can boast of the presence of reigning stars are getting released outside Kerala and overseas and receiving revenue from OTT and digital rights, while others have to depend only on the collection from Kerala theatres. 'The KFPA believes that its responsible action will definitely be beneficial to the new producers and help those who want to invest in the film industry in the long run,' the letter said. Film producers should not be made to suffer losses every time and the association members should stand united at this juncture to create a favourable situation for taking up in new ventures, it said.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Listin Stephen reacts amid speculation that his controversial remarks targeted Nivin Pauly; Sandra Thomas urges him not to act on behalf of black money lobby
The spark that film producer Listin Stephen ignited by making a veiled attack on a prominent Malayalam actor without naming him has snowballed into a major controversy, with producer Sandra Thomas also chiming in and speculations rising that he was referring to renowned actor Nivin Pauly. At a recent event, Listin had claimed that a prominent actor had committed a major wrongdoing and warned that if the said actor proceeded ahead with the same mistake, it would cause big problems. 'It's been 10-15 years since I entered Malayalam cinema. I've done quite a few films. A leading actor in Malayalam cinema has committed a serious mistake. It's like lighting a massive firecracker. That was unnecessary. When I say this, the actor will know I'm referring to him. What he did was a serious mistake, and I'm reminding him of that. It should not continue. If it does, it will cause major issues,' he said. Story continues below this ad His comments quickly went viral, prompting many netizens to speculate about whom Listin Stephen was referring to. Meanwhile, a section of social media arrived at the conclusion that the star was Nivin Pauly and that disputes related to the shooting of the under-production film Baby Girl, bankrolled by Listin and starring Nivin, prompted the producer to make such comments. The situation, meanwhile, escalated further when Sandra Thomas took to social media, alleging that the public statement by Listin, who is also an office bearer of the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), was inappropriate and violated the organisation's rules. 'The black money lobby outside the state is more interested in keeping all aspects of Malayalam cinema under the control of Listin than he is. The threatening speech made by Listin at a movie promotion event the other day is also seen as part of the conspiracy,' she noted on Facebook. Questioning the association's silence over the matter, she told Manorama Online, 'Only after it appeared that everything was in Listin's hands did he start speaking in a threatening tone.' 'If outside investors stop funding Malayalam cinema, the industry will be completely taken over by loan sharks from other states,' she said, adding that Listin was acting as an agent for them. 'This might bring him short-term profit, but it will ultimately destroy the ecosystem he is part of. He could end up being a victim of the same predatory model he's enabling.' As the controversy grew bigger, Listin Stephen himself offered clarification that he never mentioned Nivin Pauly's name. He also took potshots at Sandra Thomas, claiming that her remarks stemmed from jealousy and disappointment. 'If I mention the actor's name, the fans will attack,' Listin told Manorama News. He also stated that he would approach the organisations concerned if the issue wasn't resolved quickly. Dubbing Sandra's comments as baseless, Listing reportedly noted that he had chosen to remain silent previously out of respect for her 'as she is a woman'. At the same time, he also responded to reports that excise officials had seized cannabis from the room of a member of Baby Girl's stunt choreography team. Maintaining that he produces three or four films simultaneously, he questioned how he could possibly monitor everything each person brings to each of these sets. 'An issue happened on the set of Baby Girl. Is it with my knowledge that cannabis was seized from there? Is my job ganja cultivation? If it was from my possession that it was seized, asking me about it makes sense. I produce three or four films at a time. How can I know who is bringing what and where? The best we can do is suspend those who are caught.' 'If a lead actor doesn't give a date to a movie, what will happen to the dates of the co-stars who work in the project? There is a thing called ego. I don't know how to put a price on it. Now, let everyone badmouth me. One day, the truth will come to light. However, even then, they will continue to whitewash him,' he added.
New Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Box office data release triggers outrage among producers in Kerala
KOCHI: The Kerala Film Producers Association's (KFPA) decision to release monthly box office collection figures — a move it claims is aimed at helping investors — is evoking negative reviews. The move, initiated from February, has thrown open a rift, with some producers warning that it could backfire and end up discouraging investment, besides distorting perceptions of success in a fragile market. According to the KFPA's March 2025 report, just one film – L2: Empuraan – out of the 15 released that month was commercially successful. The association defends its decision to release the figures, saying it would help inform producers of industry trends and financial outcomes. However, not everyone is convinced. Producer Sandra Thomas, among those vehemently opposed to the move, said the decision has started hurting the industry. 'The numbers they release are partial. There are multiple sources of income, including OTT rights, remake rights, dubbing rights and theatre collection. When we release the theatre collection, it gives the wrong impression that the entire industry is in loss,' she explained. Santhosh T Kuruvilla, co-producer of films like Da Thadiya, Mayaanadhi and Nna Thaan Case Kodu, too, was critical of the decision. 'I don't know who hired these people to release monthly reports of Malayalam films. These are confidential numbers. If a body authorised or constituted by the state is releasing these figures, then it is understandable,' he posted on social media and called on those involved to stop 'spreading false ideas' about the industry. Kuruvilla warned that publicising box office failures could dampen investor confidence. 'The goal of film production is not just high returns. The entertainment industry works on long-term goals,' he said. However, KFPA vice-president G Sureshkumar said they want to caution new producers about the risks in investing in the sector. 'The numbers were released not to discourage investors. Numerous producers are in debt and experiencing losses. We cannot let this happen. Actors' remuneration and production costs are increasing. Potential producers should be aware of the risks,' he told TNIE.
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
All March releases, except Empuraan, flopped at box office, as per producers' association's figures
A majority of the Malayalam films released in March this year failed at the box office with Empuraan being the sole exception, according to monthly figures put out by the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) on Sunday. The collection records put out by the producers' association are partial as it takes into account only the producers' share from Kerala theatres after excluding the overseas revenues, OTT revenues and exhibitors' share. As per the figures, Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj, collected ₹24.65 crore from theatres in Kerala on the first five days of its run, till March 31. Though there were wild speculations on its budget, the producers' association records it as ₹175.66 crore, making it the most expensive Malayalam film till date. The makers had recently put out posters claiming that the film has collected ₹325 crore worldwide, including from OTT sales. A good number of smaller films fared poorly at the box office. Maruvasham, made at a cost of ₹78 lakh collected just ₹60,000, while Pralayashesham Oru Jalakanyaka with a budget of ₹1.5 crore collected ₹64 lakh. Aranyam with a budget of ₹85 lakh managed to collect just ₹22,000, Leech with a budget of ₹1 crore got only ₹45,000 and Kaadakam made at ₹30 lakh collected ₹80,000. Rakshasy The Lady Killer made at a cost of ₹60 lakh collected ₹4 lakh while Dasettante Cycle made at a cost of ₹70 lakh collected ₹8 lakh. Partial figures Among the films with partial collection figures as they were still running in theatres are Ouseppinte Osiyath which collected ₹45 lakh (budget - ₹4 crore), Pariwar which collected ₹26 lakh (budget - ₹2.6 crore), Vadakkan which collected ₹20 lakh (budget - ₹3.65 crore) and Abhilasham which collected ₹15 lakh (budget - ₹4 crore). The producers' association's recent practice of publishing the box office collection figures appears to not have gone down well with many from within the industry as even successful films might look like failures due to the partial figures that are published, according to people within the industry.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Empuraan budget revealed; Mohanlal-Prithviraj's actioner is March's only profitable Malayalam film among 15 releases
Although the number of new Malayalam releases was comparatively low in March, since it coincided with Ramadan and the school annual exams season, the third month of the year witnessed the release of one of the most anticipated Indian movies of 2025: actor Prithviraj Sukumaran's third directorial venture, L2: Empuraan. Starring superstar Mohanlal in the lead role, Empuraan did a total business of Rs 325 crore in 30 days, according to its makers, setting a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema. Even though this period has always witnessed very low footfall in theatres, as many as 15 films hit the screens in March, among which 14 flopped. According to the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), Empuraan is the only movie that managed to avoid facing losses that month. As per the KFPA's latest report detailing the budget and revenue (theatrical share) of Malayalam films that debuted in the state in March, a movie titled Aranyam even minted as low as Rs 22,000. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO Made on a budget of Rs 175 crore, Empuraan clocked Rs 24.65 crore from the Kerala box office in the five days it got in March since its release on March 27. During this period, the movie was also embroiled in a controversy over its content, following which it underwent 'voluntary modifications'. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the Mohanlal-starrer grossed Rs 265.5 crore worldwide and ended its theatrical run registering an India nett collection of Rs 105.25 crore. The second installment in a planned franchise that commenced with Lucifer (2019), Empuraan currently ranks as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, a feat it achieved by outperforming director Chidambaram S Poduval's widely acclaimed survival thriller Manjummel Boys (Rs 240.5 crore). Among the 15 new releases, director Sidheeque Meicon's Leech faced the biggest setback, earning just 0.44 per cent of its budget in theatrical revenue. The film minted just Rs 45,000 from cinema halls against a hefty budget of Rs 1 crore, becoming a colossal disaster at the box office. Aranyam, meanwhile, eked out just Rs 22,000, despite being mounted on a budget of Rs 85 lakh. Other major flops include Pariwar, which earned Rs 26 lakh against a budget of Rs 2.6 crore, and Maruvasham (Rs 60,000 against Rs 78 lakh). Despite opening to positive responses, director Sarath Chandran RJ's Ouseppinte Osiyathu also faced a setback and ended up earning only Rs 45 lakh from theatres against a budget of Rs 4.04 crore. According to the KPFA report, director Shamzu Zayba's Abhilasham, featuring Arjun Ashokan and Saiju Kurup, was also struggling to gain momentum during this period and had managed to mint only Rs 15 lakh in three days against a budget of Rs 4 crore.
