The much-anticipated Malayalam film 'Patriot', featuring superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty, is officially back on track for its theatrical release. The Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) has revoked the hold placed on the movie, confirming its debut on May 1.
Revenue Dispute Resolved
The decision to lift the ban follows successful discussions between the film's producer, Anto Joseph, and Kerala's film exhibitors. Earlier, FEUOK had stalled the release due to disagreements over revenue sharing. Producers and distributors had initially sought a 60:40 split in their favor for the first two weeks, a demand that exhibitors firmly opposed.
K. Vijayakumar, president of FEUOK, confirmed the resolution, stating, "Initially, the producer insisted on a 60:40 share for two consecutive weeks, which is unheard of in the industry. They have now agreed to follow the existing terms and conditions." This agreement reinstates the standard industry revenue-sharing structure.
Standard Sharing Structure Reinstated
Under the standard agreement now applied to 'Patriot', producers and distributors will receive 60% of box office revenue in the first week, with exhibitors taking 40%. The ratio shifts to 55:45 in the second week, followed by an equal 50:50 split in the third week.
In a notable concession, Vijayakumar revealed that the 50:50 share will be maintained beyond the third week. "Typically, the producer’s share declines depending on theatre collections, but we have made an exception in this case," he explained, highlighting a rare allowance for the Mahesh Narayanan-directed film.
'Patriot' Set for May 1 Release
With the revenue dispute settled, 'Patriot' is now poised for its scheduled May 1 release. The collaboration between two of Malayalam cinema's biggest stars, Mohanlal and Mammootty, under the direction of Mahesh Narayanan, has generated significant buzz, and audiences can now look forward to experiencing the film on the big screen without further delays.