The Malayalam film industry is facing internal turmoil as top producers remain divided over a proposed industry-wide strike scheduled for June 1. The strike, called by various film associations, is a response to mounting financial pressures, including heavy losses due to high entertainment taxes and soaring actor remunerations.
While prominent producer Antony Perumbavur has stated that no final decision has been made, indicating uncertainty within the industry, others, including Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce President G Suresh Kumar, have voiced strong support for the strike. They argue that the combination of entertainment tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST) has put immense strain on the industry. The rising pay demands of actors have further worsened the financial crisis.
The strike, if carried out, will halt all film-related activities, including production and screenings, unless the government steps in with relief measures. The industry has already suffered a staggering loss of ₹110 crore in January 2025 alone, highlighting the severity of the situation.
With just weeks to go before the strike deadline, the Malayalam film industry remains deeply divided, leaving the future of upcoming film projects hanging in the balance.
