•Minister P. C. Vishnunadh held a meeting with Malayalam film industry stakeholders in Thiruvananthapuram on June 2, 2026.
•The "double taxation" on movie tickets was a major issue raised, with protests having occurred earlier in the year.
•The film bodies demanded industry status for the Malayalam film industry and a single-window system for shooting clearances.
•Anti-piracy enforcement cell offices will be set up in Kochi and Malabar zones, in addition to the existing office in Thiruvananthapuram.
•The government will examine the previous LDF government’s film policy and consider its recommendations.
•Internal controversies within AMMA were discussed, with the Minister stating the government may intervene if required.
•The government aims to make tourism destinations more film-friendly and facilitate international collaborations.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 2, 2026: Minister for Cultural Affairs and Tourism, P. C. Vishnunadh, held a high-level meeting with key stakeholders from the Malayalam film industry on Tuesday, during which urgent issues such as the long-standing “double taxation” on movie tickets, industry status, and anti-piracy measures were discussed. The meeting, held in Thiruvananthapuram, saw participation from representatives of various film bodies who presented their concerns and demands to the Minister.
One of the most pressing issues raised was the “double taxation” on movie tickets, a concern that has repeatedly led to protests within the industry, including temporary suspension of film shoots earlier this year. The entertainment tax levied by local bodies on films has been a persistent grievance. While acknowledging the severity of the issue, Minister Vishnunadh stated that since entertainment tax falls under the jurisdiction of the Finance and Local Self-Government departments, a final decision could not be made immediately. He emphasized that the state’s financial situation would need to be carefully considered before any changes are implemented.
Another key demand put forward by the film bodies was the granting of “industry status” to the Malayalam film industry. This status, if granted, could make the industry eligible for various concessions and financial incentives. The Minister assured that the government would examine this demand along with other recommendations. Additionally, the film bodies urged for the implementation of a single-window system to expedite clearances related to film shooting, a proposal that the government has agreed to consider.
In a move to curb rampant piracy, which continues to affect even the latest Malayalam films, the Minister announced the establishment of anti-piracy enforcement cell offices in Kochi and Malabar zones. Currently, there is only one such office in Thiruvananthapuram. This expansion aims to strengthen anti-piracy efforts across the state, ensuring better protection of intellectual property within the film industry.
Regarding the ongoing internal controversies within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Minister Vishnunadh stated that AMMA representatives have assured the government that they will resolve internal issues on their own. However, he added that the government would intervene if necessary to maintain peace and order within the organization.
The Minister also mentioned that he is yet to fully review the film policy prepared by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. However, he assured that the government would examine the recommendations made in the policy and consider their implementation where feasible.
Addressing concerns related to film shooting logistics, the Minister acknowledged that filmmakers often face steep rents when using government properties for shooting. He assured that the government would make tourism destinations more film-friendly and facilitate collaborations between local filmmakers and international production houses. The government’s aim is to create a more conducive environment for film production in Kerala.
The meeting concluded with the Minister affirming the government’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the Malayalam film industry while balancing the state’s financial constraints. The industry stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and work toward solutions for long-standing issues.
