95 years of Malayalam cinema, yet no government system for film title registration
Irinjalakuda: If you intend to produce a film in Malayalam, the first step is to register its title. However, despite the Malayalam film industry having completed 95 years, there is still no government mechanism for registering film titles. This is the reality of an industry that releases over a hundred films annually. The Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) has acknowledged this in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.
At present, the registration of film titles, the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and related matters are managed by film organisations such as the Film Chamber. Filmmakers are required to inform these organisations about aspects such as the film’s budget and location, and they must pay the prescribed fees determined by these bodies. During A K Balan’s tenure as Minister for Culture, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy had submitted specific recommendations to the government for formulating a comprehensive film policy for the state.
A key proposal was that the government should maintain proper records of all films released in Malayalam. As part of this, the registration of titles, issuance of NOCs for censorship, and similar functions should be brought under the jurisdiction of the Chalachitra Academy. Industry professionals argue that bringing these processes under government oversight would enhance transparency, make the system more accessible to the public, and eliminate exploitation.
The Chalachitra Academy would not require a dedicated office or additional infrastructure to facilitate this. The registration process could be conducted online, and a nominal fee could be charged, generating revenue for the government while also benefiting various sectors of the film industry.
‘A matter requiring government attention’
Malayalam director and former chairman, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Kamal opined that currently, the government does not possess any official records regarding films released in Malayalam. There is a need for documentation detailing where and how these films are produced. As an academic institution, the Chalachitra Academy should be entrusted with this responsibility. Hence, it was proposed during my tenure as Chairman of the Academy that every film should be registered with the Chalachitra Academy, and NOCs should be issued at the time of censorship.
If comprehensive records of film industry professionals are maintained, it will be possible to document details such as the number of individuals employed in each production, the various sectors they are engaged in, and the artists involved. Both the Chalachitra Academy and KSFDC can take steps in this direction, and it is imperative for the government to address this matter seriously, he added.