8 months ago
Malayalam Cinema Faces Crisis in 2025
In 2025, only 10% of the 184 Malayalam movies released were successful.
The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) is upset because the government hasn't helped with their problems, like double taxes on movie tickets.
The KFCC says they will stop giving movies to government-run theaters starting next year.
They want the government to remove these extra taxes and give special electricity rates.
The KFCC president, Anil Thomas, said that the government promised to talk about these issues but didn't do anything.
He also mentioned that fewer movies are being made because there's not enough money coming in.
The KFCC wants the government to support the movie industry better.
Only 10% of 184 Malayalam films released in 2025 have been successful, approximately 18 films.
The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) will stop distributing films to government-run theatres starting January 2026.
KFCC demands include eliminating double taxation on movie tickets and providing special electricity tariffs.
The Kerala Film Policy Conclave was held in August 2025, but no action has been taken on the KFCC's demands.
Double taxation involves local bodies levying an entertainment tax in addition to GST.
- Who
- Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Malayalam film industry stakeholders, Government of Kerala
- What
- Malayalam cinema crisis with only 10% of 184 films released in 2025 being successful, KFCC's decision to stop distributing films to government-run theatres
- Where
- Kerala, India
- When
- 2025, with KFCC's action starting January 2026
- Why
- Alleged government inaction on demands to eliminate double taxation and provide special electricity tariffs, leading to financial struggles in the industry
Key facts
- Total Malayalam films released in 2025
- 184
- Percentage of successful films
- 10%
- Approximate number of successful films
- 18
- KFCC's action starting January 2026
- Stop distributing films to KSFDC theatres
- KFCC's demands
- Eliminate double taxation, special electricity tariffs
- Kerala Film Policy Conclave
- Held in August 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram
- Double taxation
- Entertainment tax in addition to GST
- Cess for Kerala Cultural Activists’ Welfare Fund Board
- Rs 3 per admission to cinemas where ticket price exceeds Rs 25
Quotes
Anuraj Manohar
Director of the film Narivetta
“Narivetta was rejected by almost all the prominent producers here before it finally got made. As a film director, I understood that the struggle to find a producer was natural. It was through that persistent search, fuelled by my love for this film, that the Indian Cinema Company eventually came forward to produce it. Narivetta was their maiden production venture. Months after the film’s release, as is the custom, the producers’ association has released its year-end verdict, claiming that only certain films were profitable this year.”
indianexpress.com
“I find it difficult to accept this verdict. Cinema is also an industry, and those who shout from the rooftops that most films are utter failures are attacking its very foundation. If the intention behind this verdict is to discourage new producers from stepping in so the industry can be kept under the control of a few, the reality is that you are essentially surrendering it to big corporations. You will neither eat nor let others eat.”
indianexpress.com
Anil Thomas
President of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC)
“The numbers are decreasing, and they will dip further next year. The main reason is that revenue is not being generated. Films have to recoup their costs solely from theatre revenue. OTT platforms are not purchasing movies as often. Revenue generation has become a high-risk area for cinema.”
indianexpress.com
