AICWA backs Kamal Haasan’s concern over rising film industry costs

Mumbai: The Mumbai-based All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has supported the important concerns and issues raised by legendary actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan in his public appeal regarding the growing economic challenges facing the Indian film industry.

AICWA agrees with the points raised by Kamal Haasan concerning rising production costs, global economic pressure, the impact of the continuing West Asia crisis, responsible filmmaking, controlled expenditure, reduction of unnecessary luxury culture and the need to protect workers and daily wage earners connected to the film industry,” AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta.

“The Indian film industry is already facing financial pressure after the COVID period, and any further economic instability will directly affect producers, production houses, distributors, financiers, theatre owners, OTT platforms, television channels and lakhs of workers associated with the entertainment industry,” the film body said.

"Lakhs of workers, technicians, junior artists, artists and all daily wage workers connected to the film industry suffered beyond imagination during the COVID period. More than 70% of workers lost their employment, while the remaining workers were forced to carry the burden of entire productions schedules with reduced manpower, longer working hours and salaries cut to less than half,” he added.

According to Gupta, rising fuel prices, transportation costs, logistics expenses and inflation will increase the overall cost of film production and may also impact audience spending on cinema and entertainment.

“AICWA strongly believes that while financial discipline and cost management are necessary, the burden of any economic crisis should not fall upon workers, technicians, junior artists, artists and daily wage earners working in the film industry. Workers and technicians should not become the first targets of budget cuts and economic correction during periods of financial difficulty. Timely payments, employment security, humane working conditions and dignity of labour must remain protected,” he said.

AICWA also supported the discussion among stakeholders on the important issues and concerns raised by Kamal Haasan. The association believes this is the right time for the Indian film industry to come together and collectively discuss long-term solutions for responsible and sustainable filmmaking. The responsibility to protect the Indian film industry during economic uncertainty must be collectively shared by producers, stars, studios, broadcasters, OTT platforms, financiers, distributors and all stakeholders connected to the industry,” he said.

AICWA will take the initiative to organise meetings and discussions with producers, production houses, financiers, distributors, theatre owners, broadcasters, OTT platforms, film bodies, television channels and all major stakeholders of the Indian film industry regarding the concerns and challenges highlighted in Kamal Haasan’s appeal.