The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) said it will not distribute films in theaters under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) from January 2026 to protest the government’s alleged failure to consider its long-standing demands.
The apex body of film bodies in the Malayalam film industry had earlier postponed its strike announced for June 1, 2025, following assurances from Culture Minister Saji Cherian that the government would consider its demands. “However, the government has not kept its promise and hence we have decided not to extend any further cooperation,” Anil Thomas, president of KFCC, said here on Tuesday.
He accused the government of failing to act on their long-standing demand to end double taxation on cinema tickets, which included goods and services tax and entertainment tax levied by local authorities. Mr. Thomas said the industry was staring at a huge loss as only about 8-10% of the more than 180 films released so far had a decent run. The KFCC said it would intensify its protest in the coming days if the government ignores its key demands.
The Kerala Film Producers Association has said that only eight of the more than 180 films released so far in 2025 can be rated as “super hits” at the box office. The estimated total loss is around ₹360 crore, she added.
Published – 23 Dec 2025 22:15 IST
