On Monday, the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) reiterated its stance on the upcoming film industry strike, with vice president G Suresh Kumar making it clear that they will not back down from the previously announced decision to halt film production from June 1. The move comes in response to issues including excessive taxation and financial challenges faced by producers.

Speaking to the media after an executive meeting in Kochi, Suresh Kumar stated, "The strike is directed at the government to address pressing concerns such as high taxation. It is not an action against actors or any specific individuals. If the producers decide to halt films, production will be stopped, as no actor is an indispensable part of the industry."

This stance follows a recent controversy involving producer Antony Perumbavoor, who criticised Suresh Kumar in a social media post. On Monday, the Kerala Film Chamber demanded that Antony withdraw his post within seven days and provide an explanation. Suresh Kumar, however, dismissed the need for a discussion with Antony unless the post was retracted. "I do not need to engage with someone who has publicly attacked me without verifying facts. The strike is an organisational decision, and I was merely carrying out my responsibility," he added.

Kerala Film Chamber president B R Jacob added that no individual, including actors, is beyond the industry’s collective decisions. Jacob cited the example of Manjil Virinja Pookkal, the film that introduced Mohanlal to mainstream cinema, as proof that the industry can create success without any single actor being irreplaceable.

Meanwhile, the actors' association, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has expressed reservations about the strike, considering it unnecessary. Despite this, the KFPA remains resolute in its decision. "Only a handful of actors are involved in film production. The financial burden primarily falls on producers, and we are demanding justifiable relief from the government," Suresh Kumar explained.