The Hindu : More trouble for film industry workers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 30, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

More trouble for film industry workers

By K.N. Venkatasubba Rao

BANGALORE, MARCH 29. The Kannada film industry is facing another spell of trouble ranging from financial losses to temporary unemployment till the election process is over. As much as 40 per cent of the workforce drawn from various departments of the film industry is all set to engage itself in the election campaign.

According to sources in the Karnataka Chalanachitra Karmikara Okkuta, new films are not likely to be launched or released till June. Several influential producers, exhibitors and distributors, who have identified themselves with political parties or artistes and others who are in the fray, are not willing to go ahead with their new or yet-to-be-finished projects because of the financial risks involved.

The situation is likely to affect the overall business of both Kannada and non-Kannada films in the State. This situation is expected to create unemployment problem for persons who work in the industry on daily wage basis, according to the sources.

Once election campaigning picks up, over 600 workers, including the active members of the Okkuta, in Bangalore are likely to be deprived of their daily earning. Production boys, light boys, sweepers, canteen boys, drivers, camera custodians, makeup assistants, cinema hall gatekeepers, projector operators, clerks and extra artistes comprise the film industry workers.

There are over 850 permanent cinemas and over 200 makeshift cinemas in the State. According to an estimate, there are about 7,000 workers who depend on the industry for their livelihood in the State.

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