Kollywood and Tollywood go on strike. No films to release from March 1st

In a disappointing news to film lovers, the Telugu and Tamil film industries (Tollywood and Kollywood) have gone on a strike against the digital service providers and have stalled the release of Telugu and Tamil movies from March 1st. Those who were expecting a last-minute resolution between the two parties have been left disappointed.

The issue has been brewing for quite some time now with the filmmakers alleging that the money being charged is too high and is proving to be a burden on the producers. However, on the other hand, the members of the digital distribution companies claim that the prices being charged are justifiable. Reportedly, the producers have claimed that the implementation of GST (Goods and Service Tax) is affecting the collections and reducing the processing fee by the digital service providers, will reduce the burden on them.

South Indian Film Industry Joint Action Committee (SIFIJAC) convener, P Kiran, in a letter to the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce (TSFCC) and Exhibitors Associations wrote, “For the past one month there have been many discussions with the DSPs and they have not accepted our requests,” The News Minute reported

It has also been reported that theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be completely shut from March 2nd, while they might be opened in other states.

A few Malayalam and Kannada films, on the other hand, have been postponed as the respective film industry’s symbol of solidarity with the neighbouring industries.

If the protest persists for a longer period, several big-ticket movies in Tollywood and Kollywood, such as Ram Charan’s Rangasthalam, might be in for trouble.

The movie lovers hope the strike will be called off soon with the concerned parties reaching a consensus.