Furore as actors, singers get reality show ban

Thiruvananthapuram: The Malayalam film sector, already caught in the midst of a crossfire between different sections of the industry, is facing another tumultuous phase, with the association of producers and exhibitors asking artistes, including singers, to keep off reality shows and other similar programmes on television.

The move is viewed as part of efforts to fight the falling revenues in the film industry as viewers are flocking to reality shows in stadia or watching programmes on the small screen, but the directive is causing its own repercussions within the industry.

The move has sparked opposition almost immediately, with popular singer M.G. Sreekumar being one of the first to criticise the move, calling it "impractical".

The Kerala Film Chamber, which comprises producers, exhibitors and distributors, wants the new directive to come into force from May 1.

A meeting of film producers and exhibitors in Kochi took the decision to impose restrictions on actors and singers participating in mini screen programmes, stating that the decision was taken in the backdrop of the crisis plaguing the Malayalam film industry.

Industry sources say that less than half a dozen films could break even or make a profit in 2009, and that the scenario did not look much better this year.

The associations of producers and exhibitors say that the decision is nothing new, considering that the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) had agreed to help the industry's cause by keeping off the small screen in an understanding reached as early as in 2002.

They, however, added that the agreement had been breached frequently in the ensuing years.

Kerala Film Chamber officials say that unlike in 2002 when the directive was not taken at face value, this time the association would stringently enforce the directive, and that if artistes, singers or technicians breach the directive, their films will not be screened.

Unhappy

The film chamber's directive comes on the backdrop of falling revenues in theatres as audiences appear to be watching TV programmes, live reality shows in stadia, or even immersing themselves in the ongoing Indian Premier League cricket matches on TV that pitch eight club teams against each other.

It has been established that artistes are unhappy about the chamber's decision as they earn more these days from off-film activities like reality shows, TV programmes or other sponsored programmes than what they directly earn from movies.

Observers feel that the directive may cause more turmoil in the Malayalam film industry, ever since veteran actor Thilakan said he was being prevented from acting by a group of individuals in the industry.