The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), on Wednesday, has decided against opening theatres in the state despite the government granting permission to open the theatres with 50% occupancy from January 5.
The KFCC met in Kochi and decided that until the Kerala government met their demands, the cinema theatres will remain shut. Due to the Covid-19, the film chamber sought a relief package to cover up the losses it incurred due to the lockdown. Despite neighbouring states allowing cinema theatres and multiplexes to open for business in October last year, the Kerala government only granted permission last week with restrictions.
The KFCC are unhappy that the government has not taken a proper decision regarding the entertainment tax. The KFCC has demanded full exemption on entertainment tax. Theatre owners’ association office bearers have said that they do not find it feasible to pay entertainment tax and open theatres with just 50% capacity. They have also asked the government to waive off the electricity charges incurred in cinema halls during the lockdown Also, the government stated that theatres can open from 9am to 9pm. This also hasn’t gone down well with the theatre owners as many moviegoers prefer late-night shows.
On January 13, Tamil film Master, starring Vijay is set to release globally. However, it is reported that the theatre owners have ruled the film's release and also films from other states.
