Kochi: The Malayalam film industry is heading towards a full-scale strike, with all film-related activities in the state expected to come to a halt from June 1. The strike has been called by various film organisations, including producers, directors, and other industry stakeholders, in response to several pressing issues within the industry. 

Veteran producer Suresh Kumar publicly criticised the current state of the industry, particularly the high salaries of actors. Speaking at a press conference, Kumar openly challenged the stars to show a film that had earned over Rs 100 crore at the box office. He stated that it is not the producers who boast about their films entering the "Rs 100 crore club," but the stars themselves who make such claims. According to Kumar, producers who are well aware of their films' fate do not make such exaggerated claims.

Kumar also highlighted the dismal performance of the film industry in recent years, pointing out that out of the 200 films released last year, only 24 were successful at the box office, giving the industry a success rate of just 12%. The remaining 176 films were flops, resulting in substantial financial losses. He estimated that the total losses incurred by producers in 2024 alone were between Rs 650-700 crore, with many producers now facing severe financial hardship. 

He added that, "Many producers are in a dire situation of leaving the country. Malayalam cinema is currently in a situation where no producer can make a film in any way."

According to Kumar the main reason for the current crisis is remuneration paid to actors. "Stars are receiving a remuneration that we cannot even imagine; the stars are receiving excessive remuneration. We will not move forward without stars reducing their remuneration," he opined. 

In light of these challenges, the Producers’ Association has decided to take a drastic step, calling for a complete halt to all film activities in the state starting from June 1. This means no film shootings, no releases, and no promotions will take place during the strike. 

Kumar also rubbished the notion of a "100 crore club," calling it a myth perpetuated by the stars. "It is not true that there is a 100 crore club," he said.

To further address transparency issues and counter exaggerated claims about box office earnings, Suresh Kumar also announced that the Producers’ Association has decided to launch a YouTube channel, "Vellithira." Through this channel, monthly updates on the actual box office performance of films will be shared publicly. The channel will provide data on film earnings and a review of the month’s releases, shedding light on the industry’s true financial situation.

He stated that if further disputes arise, the actual remuneration figures of all actors involved in the industry, including those who are currently receiving disproportionately high pay, will be made public.