The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said that it would not distribute movies in theatres under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) from January 2026 in protest against the alleged failure of the government to consider its long-standing demands.
The apex body of film bodies in the Malayalam film industry had earlier deferred its strike announced from June 1, 2025, following an assurance by Minister for Culture Saji Cherian that the government would consider its demands. “However, the government failed to keep its promise, and hence we have decided not to extend any further cooperation,” said Anil Thomas, president of KFCC, here on Tuesday.
He blamed the government for not acting upon their long-pending demand to end the double taxation on movie tickets, which included the Goods and Services Tax and entertainment tax levied by the local bodies. Mr. Thomas said that the industry was staring at a huge loss as only around 8-10% of the over 180 movies released till date had a decent run at the box-office. The KFCC said it would strengthen its protest in the coming days, if the government ignored its key demands.
The Kerala Film Producers’ Association said that only eight of the more than 180 movies released so far in 2025 can be rated as ‘super hits’ at the box office. The estimated total loss is around ₹360 crore, it added.
Published – December 23, 2025 10:15 pm IST
