FEFSI Imposes Strict and Controversial Rules On Tamil Films

Chennai, July 26 - The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) is getting criticism from Tamil filmmakers after the federation introduced a new set of guidelines for Kollywood films going forward.

According to new rules set by FEFSI (via News18), "only Tamil artists should be employed in Tamil movies" going forward. It has also made it mandatory that "Tamil film shoots should not be conducted in other states or foreign countries unless absolutely necessary".



Additionally, the federation has insisted that "in cases where shoots exceed the scheduled time or the allocated budget, proper written communication must be provided to the producers concerned, along with appropriate reasons for the delay or budget overrun".

Apart from the aforementioned rules, FEFSI has also insisted that "if the director is the writer, then he has to take responsibility in case of story ownership issues, and the issue should not affect the producer or the film".

It is said that members of the FEFSI faced difficulties in finding employment as Tamil films frequently cast stars and actors from other industries. The organization also stated that any violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action being taken.



However, the new rules by FEFSI have invited controversy as Tamil, as well as other industry filmmakers, are slamming the board for the same. Malayalam filmmaker Vinayan, who has also worked in a few Tamil films slammed new rules.

He wrote in a Facebook post, "While we see India as a single nation, Tamil Nadu film associations are headed in the direction of a highly localized decision in a place where it is believed that all Indians are brothers and sisters. This news has been out for a while but we have not seen the Tamil Nadu government opposing the decision".

He further added that this separatist move should not be allowed to grow and that no one can curb Indian artists to work in any state and any language. "My opinion is that the producers, theatre owners, and distributors of Malayalam cinema should be ready as soon as possible to give a strong reply".

On the other hand, these new rules could badly hamper Kollywood's Pan-India ambitions as states might come up with counter rules.

Stay tuned...