While the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC) is heading for elections on March 26, members question the very relevance of the body that has allegedly failed in fixing inter-State issues. Prominent among the issues are problems related to film making and release of movies in places other than home State.
The apex body for the southern film industry, set up in 1938 in Chennai covering Andhra Pradesh (AP), Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, is allegedly apathetic when it comes to solving problems in the film industry. The body does not have a website and the panel members are seen or heard only when they need the votes, according to those who looked up to the umbrella body during crisis.
Citing the issue in releasing his film ‘Koffy Bar’ in Karnataka, film director and Nandi Awardee Geetha Krishna says he had lost a fortune when his film was not allowed to run in Karnataka theatres despite a court order allowing its release. The response from the SIFCC was reportedly mute.
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Orchestrated sabotage
“It was about ₹1 crore loss for me when it was under orchestrated sabotage by local film personalities. It was branded a dubbing film but it was not as I shot it in Karnataka with separate registration of the title. None from SIFCC was seen or heard. Better they wind up operations as each State has its own film chamber now,” said Mr. Geetha Krishna.
“I’m one among several producers and directors who suffered due to lack of regulation in South.” The director says there was no issue when the same movie was made and released in Tamil with the name ‘Nimidangal’.
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As per the industry sources, the Karnataka film industry is very protective about the local talent as fewer movies are made and it is still at a nascent stage compared to those in other States. The industry does not allow other language films to be dubbed and released in Kannada. The industry is also accused of not allowing other producers and directors making money in home turf.
We are proactive: SIFCC
However, the industry body of over 3,000 distributors, exhibitors and producers, says it is proactive. Speaking to The Hindu , SIFCC Executive Committee Member RV Bhupal Prasad said insurance facility to members and service tax exemption etc were among the notable achievements of the chamber.
“The film industry in each State has its own internal issues. Some of them are very sensitive that they are left untouched. We are very much active. Our second building in Chennai is almost complete. But for the unfortunate development, the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, was expected to inaugurate it,” Mr. Bhupal Prasad said.
The executive committee member has brushed off the idea of closing down the Rs. 400-crore worth SIFCC because of a minority report floated by some disgruntled members.