FEFKA’s B Unnikrishnan slammed actor Biju Menon for skipping film promotions, causing a producer a Rs 25 lakh loss. He emphasized that promotions are contractual obligations, urging actors to show similar commitment as during remuneration talks. Unnikrishnan also highlighted issues of actors arriving late on sets, impacting production schedules.
FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan has criticised Biju Menon for not taking part in film promotions, as agreed in the contract. He alleged that Biju Menon’s failure to participate in promotional activities has led to a financial loss of Rs 25 lakh to the producer. B Unnkrishnan was talking at the press conference held by FEFKA and Kerala Film Producers’ Association on Monday, February 9, to sign agreement revising service conditions of film workers.“A leading actor in Malayalam cinema did not attend promotions, because of which a producer, who is also a director and a member of our organisation, lost Rs 25 lakh from what he was supposed to receive from a television channel. Is that a small amount?” B Unnikrishnan asked.The FEFKA Secretary also pointed out that Biju Menon skipped the promotional activities of his recent release, ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’ starring Biju Menon and Joju George, was released in theatres on January 30. “The same actor has not gone for the promotions of a film directed by Jeethu Joseph as well. I am talking about Biju Menon. I have no fear in naming him,” B Unnikrishnan said. B Unnikrishnan, who is also a filmmaker, stressed that promotional activities are part of the contract. He further asked why some actors fail to fulfill these obligations, which are clearly mentioned in the contracts under the Producers’ Association. “Promotion is part of the Producers’ Association contract. What I am saying is that at least ten per cent of the firmness shown while negotiating remuneration should be shown here as well,” he said.Biju Menon has not issued a response to the criticism yet.The FEFKA Secretary further criticized actors who arrive late on film sets, leading to delays in the production of several Malayalam movies. While signing a new document aimed at capping working hours in the Malayalam film industry at 12 hours a day, B Unnikrishnan stressed that discipline on sets is a must. He pointed out the habitual late arrival of several actors, which stalls the shooting schedule.Meanwhile, the new revised contract aims to reduce working hours of technicians, who have been enduring 16-hour shifts. The revision comes after three years. The changes in wages will come to effect after one year.
