The Film Exhibitors United Organization of Kerala (FEUOK), a body of theater owners in the state, has announced that it will stop screening Malayalam films from February 22nd, citing the violation of the agreed OTT window-period by the producers.

Reason for ban of Malayalam films in theaters

According to FEUOK, the producers have been releasing their films on streaming platforms before the completion of 42 days, which is the minimum gap required between the theatrical and OTT release of a film. FEUOK has demanded that the producers adhere to the 42-day rule, failing which they will not cooperate with them.

How it’s going to affect upcoming Malayalam films

The decision of FEUOK is likely to affect several upcoming Malayalam films, including Dileep’s Thankamani, which is scheduled to release on February 23rd. However, the films that are already running in theaters, such as Mammootty’s Bramayugam or Premalu, and the much-awaited Manjummel Boys, will not be affected by the boycott. FEUOK has also clarified that they will continue to screen films in other languages, such as Hindi, Tamil, and English.

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This is not the first time that FEUOK has protested. The Association believes that it is the only way to highlight the plight of the standalone theaters, which are facing extinction. Multiplex chains have a nationwide presence, but standalone theaters are not so lucky. They have been struggling to recover from the pandemic’s impact. The closure of Udhayam Theaters in Chennai is a testament to this problem.

The standoff between FEUOK and the producers has created a crisis in the Malayalam film industry, which is already struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the digital revolution.

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