The Hindu : Film industry sore at Govt. apathy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 18, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Film industry sore at Govt. apathy

By N. J. Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM APRIL 17. Resentment is brewing in the film industry over the lackadaisical attitude of the Government in initiating steps on the plan of action prepared at the behest of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy to tide over the crisis grappling the industry.

The action plan was submitted to the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, on June 10. Though the Government had given its assurance that a Cabinet sub-committee would be formed to study the plan and initiate action, the Government is yet to take any action, sources said.

According to the plan, several theatres in the State had to close down due to the tax policy of the Government. Entertainment tax is a major source of income for the Government which amounts to about Rs. 50 crores a year. There were about 1,386 theatres in the State. But owing to the fall in collection and other adverse factors, now it has come down to 1,182. The action plan had recommended to the Government to give a tax holiday for all Malayalam films for the first 30 days from the releasing date.

Tax exemption should be given to films that have won, State, national or international awards and also children's films which foster inculcation of social values among children. The rate of entertainment tax must be reduced to 25 per cent in Corporation and Municipal limits and 15 per cent in the rural areas, the report said.

Matters relating to the industry come under several ministries and hence clearance for shooting on Government sites is being delayed. The fees charged for shooting too is exorbitant. Months after the report was submitted the Government had decided not to give permission to shoot on the jail premises. This has come as a blow to the industry as now the producers are being compelled to make sets of prison which also adds to the production cost. The denial of permission to the noted director, R.Sarath, to shoot in the Central Jail for his film, `Sthithi' had sparked off a row too.

The report had urged the Government to set up a single window system for taxes and granting clearance for shooting and other purposes. It had also mooted appointing a senior officer not below the rank of additional secretary for coordinating various departments on matters related to the industry. Another demand was to abolish fees for shooting in public places.

The prevailing power tariff is a big burden for the exhibitors. Their problems are being compounded by every tariff hike. Hence the report urged the Government to introduce a special tariff for theatres and ensure that it is not used for any purpose other than film screening.

A legislation may be made against the closure of permanent and semi-permanent theatres. While demolishing a theatre there should be provision in the rules to ensure the construction of a new theatre in its place.

Theatres may be recognised as a small-scale industry so that the exhibitors would be eligible for the benefits enjoyed by the small entrepreneurs, the report said.

The report has also recommended the constitution of a film fund to support and encourage the production of quality films and also for the well-being of the industry. The ways and means for floating the fund may be prepared in consultation with the industry, the report said.

Though these suggestions were all aimed at helping the ailing industry the Government's apathy has created resentment in various segments of the industry.

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