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Join hands to improve the quality of Malayalam cinema

On 16th June, 2008, members of the split away group joined to form a new association and the split in the Malayalam Cine Technicians’ Association (MACTA) Federation is now official. Let it go like that because if there is a problem, the members should have the freedom to face it. Of the 59 Malayalam films released last year, only four or five got their money back from the box office and more than 50 were flops. This shows the declining standards of the film industry in the State. The ego, complex and the ‘superstarism’ of actors affect the film industry much. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), MACTA Federation and other associations and unions in the film field are working for and on behalf of the people associated with cinema and there should not be any politics in between. If politics comes, then split is the one and only way. After the floating of the new union, the mud-slinging is at its high, which affects both the film industry and the public. The result will be that non-Malayalam films will rule the State. ‘Dasavatharam’ is playing in 80 theatres in Kerala, and most of other theatres are looking for Tamil and Hindi films.

I suggest ending the rivalry among the various groups in Malayalam cinema and thus helping the industry to survive.

S.N. Thiruvazhiode

Poonithura

Any organisation which has many people with different interests should have a clear bye law, which specifically states how the team must function under one head to attain the common interest. The leader must be a person who can oscillate on all frequencies, but should maintain a distinct unadulterated frequency of his or her own so that alignment is avoided. This is essential for independently assessing the issues coming up before the organisation. From media reports, it is very clear that MACTA Federation did not function for a common programme, but for the dictatorial ways of the decision making unit. Hence the members were unhappy. When an occasion came, the bubbles burst and there is no surprise in it. Organisations like this must design a management capsule and everyone must adhere to it, if the organisation is to function for the common interest. This was absent in MACTA Federation, hence it is split now. At least, the new group must prepare a management capsule having a common interest and another portion for special interest of individual segments in the unit so that no one will feel he or she is discriminated against.

P.M.G.Pillai

Annar

MACTA Federation is already split and the new group has authorised the office-bearers to form a committee to find solutions for the issues. Actors, producers, directors, cameramen, dubbing artistes, singers and technicians connected with the film field should sit together to discuss the issues and should solve them amicably. An amicable solution is possible only when the actors rise above their ego and complex. Otherwise, the fight will continue and the fox between the goats will get the blood. Tamil and Hindi films are ruling the theatres of Kerala nowadays, and Malayalam cinemas get only 10 per cent success competing with other language films. Due to reality shows and other such shows, even the serials are not in a position to succeed on television.

The adage, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’ is applicable to Malayalam film industry also. MACTA, AMMA and other unions are for Malayalam cinema industry. Let the Tamil and other language cinemas run in our theatres, but majority should be Malayalam films. Giving them chance and then accuse each other is not a good habit.

P. Sankaranarayanan

Petta

Malayalam cinema is facing a challenge from television. Serials and reality shows attract people more than cinemas nowadays. Most of the cinema actors are trying their luck in serials too. News channels showcase real shows, instead of reality shows. Still cinema lives in the minds of people.

Malayalam cinema is better than any other language films. MACTA Federation is a good association, working for and on behalf of the technicians of cinema. Now it is split and parted ways to form a new union. Now the real fight is not in the films, but among the association members. Stunt masters are fighting outside the film world.

“Sitting in one chair and placing the legs in another chair” is a crime. Superstars and film stars will do it forever. Producers and directors are to obey them, as they are the kingmakers of cinema. Dileep is not an exception to it. Collecting Rs.40 lakh and not acting in a cinema is a problem between the director and the actor and the film world has no business in it. Splitting the association and preventing cinema shoots are not positive steps.

Why didn’t the Minister concerned call a meeting of all these groups to solve the issues, to solve all the problems in Malayalam cinema? Why not all associated with cinema assemble in a hall and settle the issues? Otherwise, non-Malayalam cinemas will rule the theatres in the State and it will be a loss for Malayalam cinema.

Neelandon Kuruvattoor

Ottappalam

Let the split be for good

The split in the MACTA Federation is complete. Yet another forum has started disintegration. Is it not sad?

When most organisations wrought out for the welfare of its members or for the welfare of the people split before long after their inception, MACTA had been an exemption. This federation of various unions of artists and also AMMA did invite the envy of many. Their unity and equality ‘status’ approach was commendable. Living together, charting out differences, finding solutions by discussions, arbitrating for justice, being a helping hand to the needy, maintaining peace and harmony and so on don’t seem to be the order of the day.

Nevertheless, east is east and west is west – MACTA crumbled. How far? The days ahead are to tell. As far as the Malayalam industry is concerned, with a limited market, we have not been able to produce good movies which are also good entertainers.

Let the split have a positive impact. Let us hope to see some products of international calibre in the days to come.

Radhakrishnan Kuzhikatt

Oorakam

The ongoing heated arguments over the differences in opinions among the prominent directors and actors of the Malayalam film industry have resulted in the split of the MACTA Federation. The veteran directors and actors have already shaped another unified body with the objective of progress. At this juncture of magnanimous recognition to Malayalam films at the national level, the present tug of war would turn a black mark on the face of Malayalam cinema. This is the apt time to improve the quality of the contributions to the film industry, not to indulge in baseless arguments. It is true that veteran and senior directors are to be given due respect by any person connected with the industry. Rules of conduct during the shooting sessions are to be codified and monitored by an official body. The film industry should awake to the present needs of the society so that films become reflections of real life.

Krishna K.

Maradu

The crisis plaguing the Malayalam filmdom is individual-centred than issue-centred. The original issues underlying the feud are almost forgotten! A tug of war between actors and technicians or non-actors is on. It is quite unfortunate. The unnecessary politicisation of the issue has aggravated the situation. A balanced approach to the issues involved is called for.

The sparring groups have to understand that their roles are complementary. The success of a film depends on their involvement. They should identify and isolate those in their fold who are trying to fish in troubled waters. Rather insignificant persons are now seen seeking publicity, posing as advocates of each faction. The actor who reportedly backtracked on his word to act in a particular director’s film after receiving a hefty amount as advance must have been heard before deciding to boycott him. That is the right approach. The director and the actor must respect each other instead of behaving as enemies. When a standoff arises, the functionaries of the association should promptly settle the issue amicably. That is what an association for. When we have a plethora of issues disturbing our social life, the brouhaha in the film industry is unbearable.

N.K.Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

The confrontationist stance by a few in MACTA Federation is both unfortunate and avoidable. An early solution to the issue is both desirable and necessary. An aggressive, arrogant approach should be avoided by both parties. Despite the recent nine national awards, the golden era of Malayalam cinema is no more. Why? It is due to the lack of good storyline, although abundant talent abound. Where are the days of Thakazhi’s ‘Chemmeen’, M.T.Vasudevan Nair’s ‘Vadakkan Veeragatha’ not to speak of ‘Swayamvaram,’ ‘Nirmalyam’ and ‘Vanaprastham.’

To revive Malayalam cinema the existing dispute between Dileep and Thulasidas and the more recent spat by seniors like Thilakan and Nedumudi Venu should be quickly resolved, for which AMMA should step in.

K.B.Ragagopalan

Chittoor Road

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