The Malayalam film industry in Kerala is gearing up for a major showdown with the state government. Key film organisations have unanimously decided to observe a token strike on March 22, bringing all cinema-related activities across the state to a complete standstill. This decisive action comes as a final warning after their long-standing demands for financial relief were repeatedly ignored by the authorities.
Theatres to Shut, Productions to Halt on Strike Day
On the day of the protest, the silver screens across Kerala will go dark. All theatres will remain closed, with no shows running. The strike's impact will extend far beyond exhibition halls. Every facet of filmmaking will grind to a halt, including shootings in progress, post-production work, dubbing, and all other allied activities. The organisations have termed this step as unavoidable after exhausting all other avenues for dialogue.
Core Demands: Scrap Double Tax, Reduce Power Bills
The united film bodies are pressing for two primary demands from the state government. Firstly, they seek the withdrawal of the state entertainment tax that is levied in addition to the nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST). Secondly, they are demanding a special, reduced electricity tariff for cinema theatres, arguing that the current high operational costs are making it impossible for theatres and the wider industry to survive. The organisations have issued a clear ultimatum: failure to address these issues will force them to escalate the protest into an indefinite strike.
Mounting Losses and a Final Round of Talks
This confrontation unfolds against a backdrop of severe financial distress for Malayalam cinema. The industry is still reeling from a disastrous 2025. According to the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, the industry suffered a colossal loss of approximately Rs 530 crore last year. This was despite a record number of releases—around 185 new films and 8 re-releases. Shockingly, only about 25 films managed to turn a profit, leaving nearly 150 films as commercial failures.
The film bodies had previously met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and participated in multiple discussions called by the government. With no concrete outcome, the government has now scheduled a fresh round of talks on March 14, inviting various associations under the leadership of the Film Chamber. The industry hopes this meeting will yield a solution, preventing further disruption to an already struggling sector.
