Malayalam cinema industry status: Single window for shooting, lower power tariffs for cinema halls among proposals made by film bodies

Key recommendations include a special one-stop shop for film shoots and permissions from local bodies, relaxation of licensing norms for cinema halls and abolition of double taxation on cinema tickets. | Photo credit: Thulasi Kakkat

Key recommendations made by Malayalam cinema trade bodies as part of the Kerala government’s decision to grant industry status to the industry include a special one-stop shop for film shoots and other permissions from local bodies, relaxation of licensing norms for cinema halls and abolition of double taxation on cinema tickets.

The government has forwarded the proposals of various film bodies to the concerned ministries before finalizing the draft industrial policy for Malayalam cinema. According to sources, the final draft of the document will soon be submitted to the government for approval.

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has pushed for an end to double taxation on cinema tickets, among other proposals submitted to the authorities.

Anil Thomas, president, KFCC, said double taxation, which included goods and services tax (GST) and entertainment tax levied by local bodies, had adversely affected the industry’s prospects for a long time. “We have also urged the government to relax some licensing norms and offer reduced electricity rates for cinema halls,” he said.

The film bodies have pointed out the difficulty in getting permission to shoot the film and recommended a separate cell to provide a single window for such requests.

B. Rakesh, president of the Kerala Film Producers Association, said that obtaining clearances from various departments and authorities often delayed the process of making a film, leading to an increase in production costs. “Easy clearance will reduce red tape. We have also urged the government to provide capital subsidy as part of extending the status of the industry to Malayalam cinema,” he said.

Another recommendation

Some of the other recommendations of the film body include setting up of a grievance cell to address workplace issues, easy access to tourist locations for shooting and better access to bank loans at reduced interest rates depending on the state of the industry.

Culture Minister PC Vishnunadh said that the consultations with stakeholders in granting industry status to Malayalam cinema have been positive. “The industry status will be granted before the October 9 deadline of the United Democratic Front government’s 100-day action plan,” he said.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 13:31 IST