‘Fresh law soon to protect film sector’

KOZHIKODE: State culture minister A K Balan has said that the government would bring in a comprehensive legislation to protect and oversee the film industry in the state.
Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, he said that the government has convened a meeting of various industry stakeholders on January 25 to discuss the matter.
“A comprehensive legislation is vital to protect and effectively oversee the film industry.We will also look into implementing some of the recommendations of the expert committee headed by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan which had submitted its report to the government,” he said.
The minister said that some theatres were found to be manipulating their ticket sales collection reports, causing substantial revenue loss to the government.
“Some cinema halls are maintaining three records of their daily collections. While the exhibitors keep a record with the actual collection figures for themselves, they maintain a separate record for film producers and another to be submitted to the state government. Due to this manipulation the government is losing significant revenue by way of entertainment tax. We are planning to introduce an online ticketing system to plug this revenue loss,” he said.
Balan said that while some cinema halls were making financial losses, there was no basis in the claims that all theatres in the state are in the red. “Even the 14 theatres owned by the state-run KSFDC have registered a profit of Rs 4.75 crore last year, despite the theatres giving focus on promoting films with artistic value,” he said.
Minister added that the government expects the newly-formed organisation of film exhibitors to extend cooperation towards making positive changes in the film industry.
Later the minister called on writer MT Vasudevan Nair at his residence to express solidarity with the writer who had faced the ire of Sangh Parivar organisations for criticizing the demonetisation decision of the central government.