Kerala government is working on a draft framework for granting industry status to Malayalam cinema. The Department of Culture has begun consultations with the Department of Local Self Government, Finance and Kerala State Electricity Board as part of formulating the policy framework. Some of the proposals under consideration include single window clearance for approving permits required for film shooting and streamlining various permits provided by the local bodies.
The move follows the announcement to grant industry status to Malayalam cinema included in the Revised State Budget 2026-27 presented in the Assembly by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who holds the Finance portfolio, on June 19, 2026.
“Granting industry status and completing the initial formalities, including drafting a policy framework, is part of the 100-day action plan of the United Democratic Front government,” Minister for Cinema P.C. Vishnunadh told The Hindu.
He said the process involved multiple rounds of discussions with several departments. “As the draft framework has to consider several regulatory and licensing aspects, deliberations are progressing with various departments connected to cinema. A draft framework will be formulated based on these inputs. It will be placed for discussion with the stakeholders before taking it forward,” he said.
The draft framework is likely to consider a standardised licensing format to ease the existing delays in getting permits for scouting locations and film shooting. It will have provisions to ensure compliance with the labour rules while executing employment contracts connected to wages, working hours and workplace safety measures.
A standardised licensing format for operating and fire safety measures in cinema halls will be considered. The draft document will also weigh upon granting lower industrial tariff for cinema halls and reduced fixed electricity tariff. The framework will enable produces to access formal bank loans and institutional credit.
Film city project
The Ernakulam district administration has started the process of identifying government land for setting up the J.C. Daniel international film city project announced in the Revised Budget. The government is planning to implement the project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The authorities have asked for the details of land available under various departments to set up the project that aims at creating a one-stop destination for film shooting. It included revenue land and sites earmarked for industrial development. The initial plan is to allocate about 25 to 30 acres for the multi-crore project. The Budget had earmarked a total of 100 crore for various initiatives in the cinema sector.
Published – August 01, 2026 11:16 am IST
