The theater owners are currently on strike to protest against the OTT (Over-The-Top) release of the 2018 film “Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum,” which is still performing well in theaters, even after a month since its release. Fioc, an organization representing the theater owners, announced that theaters would be closed on June 7 and 8 in support of their protest. However, the Film Exhibitors Federation has stated that the theaters will not be closed. Fioc and the Film Exhibitors Federation held a discussion in Kochi today to address the issue of fast OTT releases. Following the discussion, Fioc announced the strike to close the theaters. Thiruvananthapuram Aries Wismaya Max, a theater, has confirmed that they will join the strike and close their doors on Wednesday and Thursday as a form of protest against the OTT release of films, even though the screenings of the said film continue in theaters.
Aries Vismaya Max has stated that their protest aligns with the collective decision of the theater organizations. They have also assured that a refund facility will be provided to those who have booked tickets online. Meanwhile, Liberty Basheer, the president of the Film Exhibitors Federation, has responded by saying that the theaters are not ready for a strike. Liberty Basheer emphasized that they are not in favor of a strike that would lead to the closure of theaters.
