Malayalam Cinema Strike to Begin on June 1 Over Soaring Remuneration

The Malayalam film industry is set to halt all film-related activities, including production and screening, starting June 1, 2025. This decision follows concerns from various film bodies regarding the industry's struggles.

The strike is a protest against high remuneration for actors, double taxation, and what they deem as "unfriendly" policies. Producer G. Suresh Kumar highlighted the financial strain on producers, stating that 60% of a film's budget is spent on actor salaries. He added that the industry is already struggling, with many films failing at the box office.

Suresh Kumar also mentioned that 176 Malayalam films experienced significant losses. In January 2025, theatres alone suffered losses of approximately ₹101 crore. He also pointed out that many film industry professionals are facing difficult circumstances.

The film bodies are requesting the government to lower taxes and are asking actors to accept salary cuts. They also seek cooperation to reduce production costs.