KSFDC major revamp to bring cheer to Malayalam film industry

Thiruvananthapuram: The first meeting of the newly-constituted state-run Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) held here on Tuesday has drawn up a road map for a major revamp of its activities to cheer the Malayalam film industry.

"One of the major changes is that they have brought the single-window facility where film makers can get all the required clearances at one go," acclaimed filmmaker Lenin Rajendran, who is also KSFDC chairman, told news persons here.

"Anyone who approaches us will not have to go to various agencies for permissions for shooting and other things, as it would be undertaken by us and would be a huge blessing for the film makers," said Rajendran.

Another major initiative by KSFCD is to ensure that the present optical fibre cable network which runs across the state, has 40 per cent kept aside for use by the state government.

"We will use this as the service provider according to the agreement with the state government to give it for free to them. With this, we will be able to eliminate the present satellite model of film screening which is being done now by theatres. We will set up the main server in our Chithranjali Studio complex and provide connectivity to all the theatres in the state. Through this, we will be able to bring down the cost for producers and exhibitors," said Rajendran.

He also pointed out that for the past three years, the studio facility of KSFDC at the Chitranjali Studio is running on a profit.

"We have got sanction for revamping the studio and new equipment would now be available for filmmakers. We will build 40 cottages at the picturesque location of the Studio to be given out for rent.

"Besides, we are building a children's park with a forest theme. A state- of-art convention centre is also on the anvil and around Rs 250 crore is going to be infused into our studio complex," said Rajendran.

Deepa D. Nair, KSFDC Managing Director, said they have given a proposal to the state government to change the subsidy rules and Cinema Regulations Act to make it topical which will bring buoyancy in the film industry.

"At present, a subsidy of Rs five lakh is given to all films shot in Kerala and from the allocation of Rs 1.61 crore, we are paying out the subsidy to these films. Once the new rules comes into effect, this subsidy will be extended to short films also," said Nair.

The new Pinarayi Vijayan government in its first budget has allocated Rs 25 crore for KSFDC.

"The funds for our revamp are going to come from the new investment vehicle of the state government and also through public-private participation," said Rajendran.