Wide release: Film fraternity crosses swords

KOCHI: The curtains are up once again for the war of words between the Film Exhibitors’ Federation (FEF) and the film organisations over wide release.The FEF gave a quick and sharp retort to the joint decision taken by the five film organisations on Monday on increasing the number of release centres.“If film distributors and exhibitors’ association release any movies at the new centres, the FEF will not exhibit that movie in theatres owned by its members across the state,” FEF president Liberty Basheer told Express.On Monday, AMMA, FEFKA, Distributors Association, Film Exhibitors Federation and the Film Chamber agreed to increase the number release centres from 72 to 102, starting from February 9.They also upgraded 56 theatres to the status of ‘releasing theatres.’ The joint meeting said theatres, which do not upgrade to the classification demanded by the committee, will be dropped from the list of releasing theatres from July 1.The FEF has taken an adamant stand on degrading the theatres.It asserted that if distributors dare to ban a movie in any of its theatres, the film would not be exhibited in other FEF theatres across Kerala.“We have 314 theatres across Kerala.Most of the major releasing centres are dominated by us.Wide releasing without our consent would deepen the worries of producers,” Liberty Basheer said.The film organisations’ meeting shortlisted 43 theatres to be upgraded and have given six months’ time for theatre modification.Most of these theatres belong to the FEF.“Wide releasing and modernisation of theatres have resulted in its revenue growth and also box office return for the film.Most of the newly added release centres are experiencing more than 300 per cent of revenue growth,” producers association member Appachan told mediapersons.However, the FEF is opposing this.Wide releasing would affect the revenue of A-Class theatres.So, the FEF could not tolerate any move to extend the number of releasing centres in Kerala, Basheer added.The FEF is convening a meeting on January 23 to discuss the issue.