The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Govt withdraws from talks with film industry

DISCUSSIONS between the State Government and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce on finding a solution to the quarrel between the State's film actors and producers ended rather abruptly this afternoon with the Government deciding to end its mediatory efforts.

Announcing this after a meeting with representatives of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, the Kerala Information and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr M.M. Hassan and the Minister for Food and Culture, Mr G. Karthikeyan, said the Government had done its best to find a solution to the crisis facing the film industry.

The Government's decision to end its mediatory efforts was reportedly influenced by the film chamber's refusal to hold discussions with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), as it does not `recognise' AMMA.

The film chamber's representatives are also reported to have said that there is no `crisis' in the Malayalam film industry.

It may be recalled that the current row between Malayalam film producers and actors was triggered by the decision of the film stars to participate in a stage show, organised by a Malayalam satellite television channel, earlier this month.

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce had not wanted Malayalam film actors to participate in shows on stage and television.

Following the stage show and the consequent standoff between the actors and producers, an AMMA delegation had met the Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony last week and requested the State Government to help find a solution to the problem.

Following this meeting, the Chief Minister had directed Mr Hassan and Mr Karthikeyan to hold discussions with the film chamber and AMMA to end the crisis in the film industry.