Film bodies in Kerala raise issues including ‘double taxation’ in meeting with Culture Minister

Minister for Culture P. C. Vishnunadh during a meeting with stake holders of Malayalam movie industry in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

| Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Minister for Cultural Affairs P.C. Vishnunadh on Tuesday held discussions with representatives of various film bodies, who raised several demands including a relook at the entertainment tax levied by the local bodies on films. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Minister said that the government will address the issues which need to be taken up urgently, while other demands will be implemented in consultation with various departments.One of the major issues raised by the organisations was the “double taxation” on movie tickets, a long standing demand of the film bodies. The industry has witnessed several protests, including the suspension of movie shooting, earlier this year over the issue.“Entertainment tax is a major issue for the industry. Since it is related to the Finance department and the Local Self-Government department, I could not promise anything at the meeting. The State’s financial situation also has to be considered before a decision is taken,” said Mr. Vishnunadh.Another demand was for giving industry status to the Malayalam film industry, which could make it eligible for various concessions. The Minister said that the government would also consider the demand for implementation of a single window system for clearances related to film shooting. E-ticketing system for cinema theatres will be implemented within a few months.Anti-piracy cellSince piracy of even the latest Malayalam films are still rampant, an office of the anti-piracy enforcement cell would be set up in the Kochi and Malabar zones too. Currently, there is only one office in Thiruvananthapuram.Regarding the ongoing controversies in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the Minister said that AMMA representatives have promised to solve all the internal issues of the organisation. However, the government will intervene if the need arises, he said.The Minister said that he is yet to fully read the film policy prepared by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. However the film body representatives said that the policy has several recommendations which can be implemented. The government will examine these, he said.Mr. Vishnunadh, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said that sometimes steep rents are charged to use government property for shooting. Tourism destinations will be made friendlier for shooting purposes. The government will also help filmmakers in collaboration with international production houses. Published - June 02, 2026 08:55 pm IST