Slugfest in Mollywood!

Malayalam film industry is going through a crisis that calls for level-headed leadership and unity. But, what the captains of the industry are engaged in is an all out battle to settle scores among themselves!

By P.Muraleedharan
Who says Mollywood lacks in action and thrills? Even though the films released recently are devoid of action and passion, the actors, directors and producers are slugging it out in the open. The Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) Federation has split, and the breakaway faction has decided to form a new outfit. And war cries are heard all over!
The latest is that the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) Federation, an apex body of 19 unions of the Malayalam film industry with about 4,000 members, has split vertically.
It all began with the refusal of actor Dileep to work in a film by Thulasidas, “despite accepting an amount in advance”. And MACTA had decided to ban Dileep. But what made matters worse was the high-handed treatment meted out to director Siddique, who had cast Dileep in his forthcoming film. There has reportedly been a terrible exchange of words during the MACTA meeting.
What followed was a spate of resignations. About 30 directors, including K.Madhu (the president of the outfit), Priyadarshan, Kamal, Renjith, Joshi, Renji Panicker, Sathyan Anthikad, Srinivasan, Fazil and Blessy bade good bye. All conciliatory attempts failed, including those by the representatives of IFEC (Indian Film Employees Confederation) and FEFSI (Film Employees Federation of South India).
Their main grouse is against Vinayan, the general secretary of MACTA. Deploring the “cultural degradation” prevailing in the organisation, directors Renji Panicker and Sibi Malayil made it clear that it was difficult to continue under Vinayan.
The new outfit has claimed the support of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes), the Kerala Film Producers Association and the Film Distributors Association.
Though the breakaway faction seemed to be on course for the victory lap in the beginning, the support of the national unions have bailed out MACTA and Vinayan. IFEC general secretary S.Vijayan has made it clear that ‘'we will not cooperate with the films to be made by the directors, who parted ways with the MACTA Federation’'.
For the two warring groups, there is no other way than a fight to the finish. Watch out for the next episode !

Source: India Syndicate