In a press release dated February 21, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) condemned the decision of the Film Exhibitors' United Organisation of Kerala (FEOUK) to stop Malayalam releases at theatres in Kerala. Earlier this month, FEOUK announced its decision to keep Malayalam films from releasing in theatres as a protest against what it deemed to be a constant flouting of its norms by producers.
Calling the decision condemnable, objectionable, and outright cynical, the employees' federation asked the exhibitors to reconsider it. According to the press release, what dissatisfies the federation is the fact that the ban applies specifically to Malayalam films alone. It further added that FEFKA finds this an extreme act of contempt towards Malayalam cinema, including its technicians, artists, and other employees, the rich history of the industry, crores of Malayalam film buffs, those who love the language, and society in general.
