Industry status to Malayalam cinema: Single-window clearance for shooting, lower power tariffs for cinema halls among proposals mooted by film bodies

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A special desk for single-window clearance for film shooting and permissions from local bodies, relaxations in licensing norms for cinema halls and withdrawal of double taxation on movie tickets figure among the key recommendations. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

A special desk for single-window clearance for film shooting and other permissions from local bodies, relaxations in licensing norms for cinema halls and withdrawal of double taxation on movie tickets figure among the key recommendations submitted by the trade bodies in Malayalam cinema as part of the Keralam government’s decision to accord industry status to the sector.

The government has forwarded the proposals made by various film bodies to the departments concerned, ahead of finalising the draft industry policy for Malayalam cinema. The final draft document will be placed before the Cabinet for approval soon, according to sources.

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has pushed for an end to the double taxation on movie tickets, among other proposals, submitted to the authorities.

Anil Thomas, president of the KFCC, said the double taxation that included Goods and Services Tax (GST) and entertainment tax levied by local bodies had adversely affected the prospects of the industry for long. “We have also urged the government to relax certain licensing norms and to offer reduced electricity tariffs for cinema halls,” he said.

The film bodies have pointed out the hassles in obtaining permissions for film shooting and recommended a separate cell to provide single-window clearance for such requests.

B. Rakesh, president of Kerala Film Producers Association, said seeking permissions from multiple departments and bodies had often delayed film shooting process, resulting in increased production cost. “A single-window clearance will cut the bureaucratic delays. We have also urged the government to provide capital subsidy as part of extending the industry status to Malayalam cinema,” he said.

Some of the other recommendations made by the film bodies include setting up a grievance cell to address workplace issues, easy access to tourist locations for shooting and improved access to bank loans at reduced interest rates based on the industry status.

Minister for Culture P. C. Vishnunadh said the stakeholder consultations as part of granting industry status to Malayalam cinema have been positive. “The industry status will be granted before the October 9 deadline of the 100-day action plan of the United Democratic Front government,” he said.

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