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Union Minister of State and actor-politician Suresh Gopi has assured film producers that the concerns raised by the South Indian film industry will be brought to the attention of the Central government.As reported by PTI, speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of producers in Kochi, Suresh Gopi said representatives from the major film industries of the five southern states had come together to discuss challenges affecting the sector. He explained that the producers first held internal discussions before inviting him to hear their concerns.According to Suresh Gopi, the discussions were a continuation of earlier meetings held in Hyderabad and Kochi. The participants focused on issues that require urgent intervention from the government.
Producers seek immediate Government intervention
Suresh Gopi said the industry had identified several matters that deserved immediate attention.He said, “They discussed the urgent measures the Central government should take for the Indian film industry and highlighted decisions that should have been taken years ago. Several important issues affecting the industry were discussed.”The minister revealed that he had requested producers to prepare a detailed report outlining their concerns and recommendations.He said, “Since I am also part of this industry and familiar with many of the issues being raised, the report, once finalised, will be submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.”
Piracy, OTT platforms and review bombing discussed
Suresh Gopi said, “The report will also be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs so that appropriate follow-up action can be taken. I will also request the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to convene a meeting involving producers, exhibitors, and distributors from across South India.”The ‘JSK’ actor noted that the rise of OTT platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic significantly altered the industry’s traditional revenue structure.He said, “As a result, the industry moved away from the traditional systems through which producers recovered their investments. Producers are now facing the consequences of that shift. Issues relating to intellectual property rights are also being examined, and any recommendations in the report will be forwarded to the ministry.”The discussions also covered concerns regarding digital platforms and online content ecosystems.
Strong action sought against piracy networks
Suresh Gopi described piracy as one of the most serious threats facing the film industry today. He said the methods used by piracy networks have become increasingly sophisticated over time.According to the minister, “Their mechanisms have become extremely complex, and even people we would not normally suspect are involved. That is why direct intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs is necessary. I will place that request before Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”He also pointed to certification-related difficulties faced by producers and argued that delays can create financial risks for filmmakers.Suresh Gopi said, “There is a long-standing rule that posters can display a release date only after certification is issued by the Central Board of Film Certification. However, a producer who has invested money- often through borrowed funds-should not be put at risk because of delays in certification. Such concerns are legitimate.”
Review bombing a major concern
Suresh Gopi stressed that the issues discussed were not isolated concerns but challenges affecting the broader film industry.He said, “Review bombing is as serious a threat as piracy. Matters relating to YouTube have also been discussed.”Calling for stronger safeguards, Suresh Gopi added, “The seriousness of these concerns has been clearly conveyed. Strong laws are required, along with the determination to enforce them effectively. That is the responsibility of the government.”When asked about differences within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the minister said disagreements are common in organisations and expressed confidence that such issues would eventually be resolved.He concluded, “The film industry is not a fully organised sector. I believe these issues will gradually be resolved. Just as nature has its own way of restoring balance, I believe the industry too will undergo a process of organic healing.” Go to Source
