Film moratorium loses fizz but...

Film moratorium loses fizz but...

Deccan Herald

If the present situation in the film industry is any indication, the vexed issue of the moratorium on the release of non-Kannada films is likely to bounce back on January 17, 2005. However, it may not be as fierce as it was and non-Kannada films may not face tough resistance for their simultaneous release.

According to industry sources, Chennai-based Gemini Film Circuit has made up its mind to go ahead with its decision to withdraw its petition on the existing stay order in the Supreme Court, on the moratorium imposed by Kannada filmdom. The next hearing of the withdrawal petition is coming up on January 17.
Besides, no exhibitors have so far shown interest to file a fresh petition in the apex court against the moratorium.

Nevertheless, the Kannada film industry does not seem to be very keen on taking advantage of the present situation. “We have lost the tempo to continue with our fight to impose moratorium. Moreover, many of those who were in the forefront of the agitation have now backtracked,” sources in Kannada filmdom said.

The dwindling interest among Kannada film producers, who fought tooth and nail for implementing the moratorium, was evident when not even a single producer turned up in a recently-called meeting by the Information Minister B Shivaram to discuss the problems faced by the Kannada film industry.

When contacted, Kannada Film Producers’ Association President Basant Kumar Patil, however, said that he will shotly convene a meeting of executive committee members of the Association to discuss on action to be taken after January 17.
Meanwhile, exhibitors in Bangalore have successfully defied the moratorium and released several new non-Kannada films in the last two months.