Row continues over new releases

The row following the decision of the producers of ‘Mayabazaar’ and ‘Kurukshetra' to release the movies at maximum centres have reached a new turnaround with representatives of Film Exhibitors Federation demanding full refund of advance collected from them. The federation which is the association of 'A' class centers is against the wide releases strategies of the recent movies as they believe, it will affect their revenues.

The federation holds the view that there is no justification for the producers and distributors of both the movies, as they have already collected more than a crore as advance from exhibitors under the federation.

The emergency meeting of the federation held on Monday decided not to screen the movies if the producers and distributors increase the number of release centers for the Ramzan movies. The producers of these superstar movies meanwhile are going ahead with their decision to release the movies in maximum release stations in the State.

They have the support from, the Kerala Cine Exhibitors' Association, which is the association of ‘B’ and 'C' class theatres in the State, who have decided to screen both ‘Kurukshetra’ and ‘Mayabazaar’ in maximum centers. According to them, ‘Mayabazaar’ would be released at least in nearly 80 centers while the film ‘Kurukshetra’ will be shown in about 60 cinema theatres under the association.

Another round of meeting is being called for today to reach a final decision on the issue. If the federation of exhibitors and distributors will end up in an amicable solution then both these big budget movies may get into more than hundred centers, tomorrow for Ramzan.