The various film organisations in the state has called for a shut down of theatres from the second of November onwards, in support of their full fledged strike to hike service charges. Exhibitors Federation (KEF) is demanding a hike in service charges from Rs 2 to Rs 7. Kerala is one of the few states that allow theatres to levy Rs 2 surcharge on all cinema tickets, which goes for maintenance of theatres. Due to recent rise in power tariff, all theatres want an increase in service tax, which the government has to agree.
However a section within KEF feels that the government will definitely agree to their demand provided they go through proper channels. Nobody wants a strike at this period as Malayalam film industry is booming, with more than a dozen hits in 2012.