The upcoming Malayalam film ‘Patriot’ starring Mammootty and Mohanlal has hit a roadblock as the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) decided not to screen the movie due to a disagreement over revenue sharing. The association instructed theaters not to enter into screening agreements with the film’s producers, citing a dispute regarding the box office revenue share demanded by the producers. In the Malayalam film industry, the usual practice involves theaters providing 60% of the box office collection to producers and distributors during the first week of a film’s release.
The producers of ‘Patriot’ have insisted on a 60% share for the first two weeks of the film’s theatrical run, contrary to the standard practice where the share decreases to 55% in the second week and 50% in the third week. This demand has led to opposition from FEUOK, which argues that agreeing to a 60% share for the initial two weeks would not be financially feasible for theater operators and could result in substantial losses. The association emphasizes that the current revenue-sharing system aims to maintain a fair distribution of revenue between producers and exhibitors, highlighting that in multiplex theaters, producers often accept a share lower than the 60% and 55% structure followed in single-screen theaters.
The uncertainty looms over the release of ‘Patriot’ scheduled for April 23, as theaters are advised not to sign agreements for the film until the revenue-sharing issue is resolved. The film, which marks the reunion of Malayalam cinema icons Mammootty and Mohanlal, has garnered significant anticipation among audiences. However, unless a resolution is reached promptly between the producers and theater owners, the theatrical release of ‘Patriot’ could face substantial obstacles.
