The ongoing conflict between exhibitors and producers over rentals and percentage sharing has once again exposed the deep cracks within the cinema industry.
Despite producers announcing committees and holding multiple meetings to resolve the matter, nothing concrete has emerged so far.
Every discussion seems to end with vague assurances, while theatres continue to struggle for survival. The reality is simple: these issues will never be resolved through endless meetings alone.
The biggest root cause of this crisis is the unchecked remuneration of star heroes.
Producers are reluctant to offer percentage shares to exhibitors because most film budgets are already swallowed up by massive payments to top actors.
On the other hand, exhibitors argue that rental income alone is no longer enough to sustain theatre operations amid rising maintenance costs and falling footfalls.
Both sides are fighting over scraps, while the largest share of industry revenue quietly goes elsewhere.
What is even more disappointing is the silence of star heroes. They remain mere spectators despite being the biggest stakeholders and beneficiaries of the film business.
At a time when even political leaders and governments are publicly advocating cost-cutting measures in administration and public spending, star actors continue to demand astronomical paycheques without showing any willingness to adapt to the changing realities of the industry.
If heroes genuinely care about the survival of cinema and theatres, they must move away from fixed remuneration and become percentage stakeholders in filmmaking.
Sharing risks and profits would reduce production pressure and create a healthier ecosystem for producers and exhibitors alike.
Unless stars step down from their financial pedestals and take responsibility, no committee, meeting or negotiation can save the cinema industry from its slow collapse.
