The dispute between the Malayalam film industry and exhibitor PVR Inox remains unresolved. The Malayalam film industry recently suffered a major setback when PVR Inox pulled Malayalam films from the screens across the country. Even other film industries like Telugu, which had bought the dubbing rights for Malayalam films, suffered losses as the films were abruptly withdrawn.
According to some reports, the matter was resolved after talks last week between the Kerala Film Producers Association and company representatives in Kochi. Association secretary B. Rakesh said that Malayalam film screenings would begin in all theaters across the country. “We have also decided not to pay VPF from January 2025, given the high rates charged by digital service providers,” he said.
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Inox said in a statement, “We are happy to announce that all disagreements regarding PVR Forum Kochi have been resolved amicably. We are very happy in all languages in our cinemas in Kerala.”
However, while the statement seemed to confirm that the issue had been resolved, unlike Rakesh’s statement, the PVR Inox statement denied speculation about the discontinuation of the VPF from January 2025.
Gianchandani’s statement added, “We have come across some speculation regarding the discontinuation of the virtual print fee from January 2025. We would like to clarify that there is no such understanding or commitment from PVR Inox to that effect.”
Kerala Producers and PVR Inox fought over the virtual print fee, which is often collected over a period of several years or impressions. VPF agreements have been controversial, with disagreements arising over fees, terms, and implementation, resulting in conflict between distributors, manufacturers and exhibitors. However, PVR Inox’s postponement of Malayalam films for three days added fuel to the ongoing battle.
In protest against the non-resolution of the VPF issue, Malayalam producers refused to give their films to the new PVR Inox multiplexes in Kochi. As a result, for three days – April 11, 12 and 13 – PVR Inox removed Malayalam films from all over India, causing loss to all affiliated producers from both Malayalam and Telugu languages.
This escalated the ongoing argument, and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala has announced that it will ban the screening of Malayalam films in PVR Inox-owned theatres until the company compensates Kerala producers for their losses.
This decision was revealed by FEFKA’s general secretary, Unnikrishnan B, during a press conference with leading producers Blessy Ipe Thomas (director of The Goat Life) and Vineeth Sreenivasan. Unnikrishnan added that no films will be shown on PVR Inox’s new screen at Forum Mall until the conflict is resolved.