Cinema owners strike in Kerala creates problems for filmmakers

In a bad news to the local film industry, Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation has gone on indefinite strike. According to sources, over 58 more films are yet to be released this year and due to the strike its not possible to release them within the next two months. To solve this problem, the executive committee of Kerala Film Producers Association will meet on November 6. "The executive committee will decide the schedule for the general body meeting that will endorse our stance. However, we will see to it that upcoming movies are not affected by the strike,'' said President of Kerala Film Producers' Association Milan Jaleel.

The films which were to be released on Friday and were put on hold are --101 Weddingsby Shafi and Anoop Menon's916,sources said, adding,Mammootty'sJawan of Vellimalaand Lal Jose'sAyalum Njanum Thammilwere also hit by the strike. "For a film, initial collection is crucial. My film had succeeded in pulling the crowd. Even if it is screened after the strike, we can't be sure of a good collection," said Lal Jose.