Malayalam film industry in the doldrums

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN. 6. With almost 70 per cent of the 63 films released last year bombing at the box-office and less than 20 per cent of the Rs.100 crores pumped into the film industry returning to the producers to re-finance new ventures, the Malayalam film industry seems to be in an unprecedented crisis.

All the big and small players in the industry have only tales of loss to relate. Strangely enough, it was a spurt in the production of soft-porn films which increased the number of films last year. The cost of such films, which ranged between Rs. 10 and Rs.15 lakhs, collected almost five times its production cost and entered the list of toppers, which included super-starers like Narasimham, Valiyettan, Kochu kochu santhoshangal, and Thenkasi pattanam.

According to Mr. G.Suresh Kumar, who has been producing films regularly for the past two decades, the lack of a planned approach, reluctance to accept new technology and the directors' quest for excellence unmindful of financial constraints and the limitations of Malayalam cinema are the main reasons which led to the crisis.

The system of starting a film with a well-conceived and completed script has become a thing of the past. Despite the advent of many cost-saving devices, such as computer editing, the technicians are unwilling to change over to the new system, Mr. Suresh says.

In the pursuit of excellence alone, the directors and technicians fail to comprehend that technical perfection alone will not assure success. Wastage of raw stock and insistence of having DTS and other frills for themes which do not suit them also add to the burden, Mr. Suresh explains.

The production cost of a super-starer varies between Rs. 2.5 crores and Rs.3 crores. The audio, video and satellite rights of these films would fetch Rs.65 lakhs. The shooting often gets going with the advance from the distributor which ranges between Rs.1 crore and Rs.1.50 crores depending on the stars. If the film fails to garner at least half the production cost in the initial two or three weeks, the producer would have to suffer a huge loss. Some of the films of the super stars, unfortunately, crashed.

Still, producers opt for super stars since they have a "minimum guarantee." A film with second grade artistes would cost approximately Rs. 1 crore. This is not a safe bet either. As the hero lacks a "minimum guarantee", more supporting artistes have to be included in the cast. With that, the cost of a film which could have been completed for Rs.50 lakhs rises to Rs. 1 crore.

Placing the responsibility for a loss only on the director is rather unfair, says Mr. Shaji Kailas who made two successful movies last year. Right from selecting the story and appointing the director, producers have a vital role. Being unaware of the pulse of the industry, they take the plunge without proper planning.

Producers should plan projects which suit their purse. Many of the producers who launch mega projects would only have a few lakhs with them. They solely depend on the indigenous financiers in Chennai, exhibitors and distributors for finance. If the work goes awry for want of a completed script or planning, the project itself will grind to a halt and then they blame the directors, he says.

The fraternal bodies should try to create an awareness about the industry among the new entrants so that they would not resort to indiscreet spending. If the director fails to satisfy the tastes of the regular cinegoers who flock to the theatres for super- starrers, the film will be a disaster. No director would be ready to cut costs at the risk of ruining his career, says Mr. Shaji.

Lack of adequate Government support and patronage for the industry are also being pointed out as major obstacles. Though the industry earns revenue for the Government, nothing is done in return, Mr. Suresh says.

The Government does not levy any tax on TV serial producers who shoot extensively in Government buildings. But film producers are not spared. The bureaucratic style of functioning of the staff of Chitranjali studio is inimical to the interests of the industry, he adds. The only alternative is to limit the cost to Rs. 50 lakhs. But, he says, no one is keen on such experiments.

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