Mollywood cuts remuneration by 25 percent

As the first step for cutting the soaring costs of production in Malayalam film industry, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) decided in principle to cut the remuneration of film artists by 25 percent. The decision was taken after AMMA's meeting with the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) in Kochi on Saturday.

Speaking to the media, Suresh Kumar of the KFPA said the pay cut would be implemented with immediate effect and will be applicable to all those who charge Rs.3 lakh and more. "Today, a film with any of the superstars would come to over Rs.3.5 crore. Remuneration alone would come to around 50 percent of the total cost of a film," he added.

"Another thing that has been accepted is that shooting will start at 7 a.m. It has also been made clear that the expenses of those who accompany the actors, will have to be met by them only. With the new guidelines, cost of a film with a superstar will come down by Rs.50 lakh,” said Kumar. AMMA president Innocent told reporters, "Another grievance of theirs (producers) was the participation of film actors on TV shows. We will take up this issue at our meeting."