Following the theatrical release of Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s Master across Kerala on January 13, Malayalam filmmakers are getting ready to release their movies soon. According to a leading Malayalam daily, 19 Malayalam movies are set to release by March.
After the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdown shut theatres across Kerala, actor Jayasurya’s Vellam will be the first Malayalam movie to release in theatres on January 22. Following Vellam, Anaswara Rajan starrer Vaanku and Rajisha Vijayan starrer Love will be hitting the big screens.
According to the film producers’ association list of movies to release, 12 movies will be releasing in theatres in February starting with Mamooty-Manju Warrier starrer Priest on February 4. In the following week, Sajan Bakery, Yuvam and Operation Java will be opening in cinema halls on February 12. Three films – Veluta Madhuram, Varthamanam and Maradu 357 will be releasing on February 26. Along with these, Sunny, Ajagajantharam, Toll Free 1600 600 and Sahyadriyile Chuvanna Pookkal is set for release in February. Reportedly, Kunchacko Boban starrer Mohankumar Fans is also likely to release in February, however, there is no confirmation on the date.
The decision to reopen theatres came after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions with film bodies in Kerala.
The Kerala government decided to waive entertainment tax for cinemas from January to March along with a 50% reduction in the fixed charges on electricity during the lockdown period to help the film industry in the state. The government has however refused to allow theatres to run second shows. Theatres will also have only 50% occupancy, a measure suggested by the Union government.
