Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairman Prem Kumar visited Chitranjali Studio at Thiruvallam on Thursday, October 15, and said the corporation is carrying debts of about ₹10 crore. He promised a white paper on its finances and a plan to bring the studio back to its old standing.
What Prem Kumar said
Prem Kumar said the institution had been operating with more than ₹10 crore in debt and borrowings. "We will come out with the white paper in the coming days," he said. He added that it must be done transparently, "without any preconceived notions or particular agenda".
He said he wants to raise Chitranjali to world standards, with facilities on par with the film city planned for Kochi, and that people who come with a good idea for a film will get modern technical support at the studio. He also reportedly said Chitranjali would get priority over the Kochi film city.
He also said immediate steps would be taken to clear the hurdles holding up the cultural memorial being built in actor Prem Nazir's name at Chirayinkeezhu.
Chitranjali's history
KSFDC was set up in 1975 to develop Malayalam cinema within Kerala, and Chitranjali Studio was established as its unit at Thiruvallam in 1980, according to KSFDC. The studio, about 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, offers cameras, outdoor units, lights, editing suites, dubbing and sound mixing, shooting floors and sets. KSFDC says many award-winning Malayalam films were made with its facilities.
What it could mean for smaller films
For producers working on modest budgets, a government studio with equipment, floors and post-production in one place can matter. Prem Kumar's promise of technical support for good film ideas points in that direction. How much changes will depend on the white paper and on what the revival plan includes.
Prem Kumar took charge as KSFDC chairman after the state government announced his appointment in September.
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