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 producers’ meeting in Kochi, Suresh Gopi said that representatives of major film industries in the five southern states came together to discuss the challenges affecting the sector.
He explained that the producers first held internal discussions before inviting him to listen to their concerns.According to Suresh Gopi, the discussions were a continuation of the previous meetings held in Hyderabad and Kochi. Participants focused on issues that require urgent government intervention.
Producers are seeking immediate government intervention
Suresh Gopi said the industry has identified several issues that deserve immediate attention.He said: “They discussed the urgent measures that the central government should take for the Indian film industry and highlighted decisions that should have been taken years ago.
Many important issues affecting the industry were discussed.”The minister revealed that he asked the producers to prepare a detailed report explaining their concerns and recommendations.“Since I am also part of the industry and aware of many of the issues raised, the report, once completed, will be submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,” he said.
the pirate, OTT platforms and Bombing review discussion
“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,” Suresh Gopi said.
I will also request the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to convene a meeting involving producers, exhibitors and distributors from all over South India.”The JSK representative noted that the emergence of OTT platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly changed the traditional revenue structure of the industry.He said: “As a result, the industry has moved away from traditional systems through which producers recover their investments.
Producers are now facing the consequences of this shift. Issues related to intellectual property rights are also being studied, and any recommendations contained in the report will be submitted to the Ministry.Discussions also addressed concerns related to digital platforms and online content ecosystems.
Strong action is required against hacking networks
Suresh Gopi described piracy as one of the most serious threats facing the film industry today. He said that the methods used by hacking networks have become increasingly sophisticated over time.According to the minister, “Their mechanisms have become very complex, and even people we would not normally suspect are involved. That is why direct intervention from the Home Ministry is necessary. I will be submitting this request before Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”He also pointed to certification difficulties faced by producers, and said delays could create financial risks for filmmakers.Suresh Gopi said, “There is a long-standing rule that posters can display the release date only after the certification is issued by the Central Board of Film Certification. However, a producer who has invested money – often through borrowed money – should not be put at risk due to delay in certification. Such concerns are legitimate.”
Review bombing is a major concern
Suresh Gopi stressed that the issues discussed were not isolated concerns, but were challenges affecting the film industry on a broader scale.“Review bombing is as serious a threat as piracy. Issues related to YouTube were also discussed,” he said.Calling for stronger safeguards, Suresh Gopi added, “The seriousness of these concerns has been clearly expressed. Strong laws are needed, along with the determination to implement them effectively. This is the responsibility of the government.”When asked about disagreements within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), the minister said that disagreements are common in organizations and expressed confidence that such issues will eventually be resolved.“The film industry is not a fully organized sector. I believe these problems will be resolved gradually. Just as nature has its own way of restoring balance, I believe the industry will also undergo an organic healing process,” he concluded.