Row over revenue sharing: Exhibitors association against release of multi-starrer ‘Patriot’ movie

Kerala Film Exhibitors’ United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) has stated that it will not be able to release the Patriot movie starring actors Mammootty and Mohanlal, if the production house insisted on altering the existing revenue sharing formula in the Malayalam film industry between the producers and exhibitors.

The apex body of the exhibitors in Kerala stepped up its position after its producer Anto Joseph reportedly stated in the agreement sent to the theatre owners that the revenue sharing has to be 60:40 in the first two weeks of collections. The movie is slated for theatrical release on April 23.

K. Vijayakumar, president of FEUOK, said that it was in violation of the existing revenue formula of 60% for the producer and 40% for the exhibitor in the first week followed by 55:45 in the second and 50:50 in the third week respectively. “We have asked our members not to sign the agreement as it would adversely affect the prospects of the exhibitors. Already, our returns have been hit as the recent releases failed to click at the box-office despite high expectations,” he said.

Mr. Vijayakumar said that they will not be able to screen the movie, unless the producer decided to stick to the existing revenue sharing formula. Mr. Joseph was not available for comment.

B. Rakesh, president of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association, said that nobody has yet filed a complaint before the association on the issue. However, the movie Patriot was made at a whopping budget of about 136 crore. The producer may have requested the exhibitors to alter the existing revenue sharing pattern to meet the huge cost incurred by him. The exhibitors could consider it as a special case and make required relaxations,” he suggested.

Besides Mammootty and Mohanlal, the movie’s cast include Fahadh Faasil, Kunchako Boban, Rajiv Menon, Nayanthara, and Revathi to name a few. The movie is directed by Mahesh Narayanan, whose earlier works include Take Off, C U Soon, and Malik.