Malayalam Film Industry to Halt Productions from June 1!
- MediaFx
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 10
TL;DR: The Malayalam film industry is planning to stop all movie shoots and screenings starting June 1, 2025, due to big losses. They're asking for lower actor salaries and tax cuts to help save the industry.

Hey folks! Big news from Mollywood! 🌟 The Malayalam film industry is gearing up for a total shutdown from June 1, 2025. That means no movie shoots, no screenings—zilch!
What's the buzz?
The industry's top bodies, like the Kerala Film Producers Association and the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala, had a pow-wow and decided enough is enough. They're bleeding cash, and something's gotta give.
Why the drama?
Sky-High Actor Fees: Actors are charging a bomb! 💣💸 Producer G. Suresh Kumar spilled the tea, saying that a whopping 60% of a film's budget goes just to pay the stars. That's leaving producers in a tight spot.
Tax Troubles: The government's double taxation is a real pain. With GST and extra entertainment taxes, the total tax hits 30%. Ouch!
Box Office Flops: The numbers are grim. In January 2025 alone, theaters faced losses of about ₹101 crore. And last year, 176 Malayalam films tanked at the box office.
What's the ask? 🙏
The film bodies are pleading with the government to cut down the taxes. They're also urging actors to take a pay cut to help the industry bounce back. It's a call for unity to save Mollywood!
MediaFx's Take:
This situation highlights the struggles of the working class in the film industry. While stars enjoy hefty paychecks, many behind-the-scenes workers are facing financial hardships. It's crucial to address these disparities and work towards a more equitable system that supports all members of the industry.
What do you think about this strike? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!