Rishh Shetty’s much awaited ‘Kanta: Chapter 1’ is facing a shock in Kerala as the Film Shore Union of Kerala (Feuok) has decided not to screen the film. The decision arises from controversy over a profit-sharing agreement between the distributors and exhibitors of the film.

The controversy occurred when the distributor, the Prithviraj Productions, demanded a 55 percent profit from the theater collection for the first two weeks of the film, headed by actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran. This demand is more than a 50 percent profit stake which has been set by exhibitors in Kerala for other films. Refusal to fulfill this demand gave birth to Fauk’s decision to prevent the screening of the film in the state.

Feuok President Vijaykumar expressed dissatisfaction with the system, highlighting that Malayalam filmmakers only get a share of 40 percent profit when their films are released outside the state. He said, “Why are these distributors so adamant about helping other language growers that when our manufacturers don’t get so much share,” they questioned.

The Sangh of the exhibitors said that they would not withdraw their decision until there is any initiative to discuss with the distributors. “If there should be a meeting, they should start it. They haven’t done so yet,” said Vijaykumar.

‘Kanta: Chapter 1’, a prequel for the same name starring Rish Shetty, is ready for a grand release on October 2. With a great crisis in Kerala, it is necessary to see if the issue will be resolved before the film’s release.

Written and directed by Rish Shetty, the film also includes him, Rukmini Vasant, Jairam, Rakesh Pujari and Gulshan Devaiya and many others in the lead roles.