Rise in cost of production, increase in remuneration, apathy of stars in promoting their own films and facilities being demanded by them, including luxury caravans, are being attributed as the ‘real reasons’ for the on the imbroglio in the Kannada film industry.
Though there are concerns about sharing of collection in single screens, rates being charged by QUBE and UFO digital cinema distribution system, entertainment channels buying selected films of big stars, most producers say that the crux of the issue is ‘non-cooperation’ of artists.
A producer disclosed that efforts at cost cutting face obstacles, such as actors demanding more ‘facilities’ like caravans, said to be a status symbol, during the shoot. “There is nothing wrong in top stars demanding caravans to avoid getting mobbed by their fans. But, even small actors have started demanding the same facility, the cost of which producers cannot bear,” he said. Earlier, producers used to complete shooting in less than 50 days. “Now, a schedule extends up to 120 days,” another producer rued.
According to Thomas D’Souza, President, KFCC, producers want actors to reduce their remuneration, participate in promotional activities and allow audiences to watch their films by appearing in TV shows that are slotted after 10 p.m.
