Avoid Extravagance; Protect the Workers — Kamal Haasan’s Statement
Summary of Kamal Haasan’s Statement:
My dear members of the film fraternity,
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a global crisis. Pressure is mounting steadily across the sectors of energy, commerce, transportation, and international trade (exports and imports). India, too, is currently grappling with the repercussions of this situation.
This crisis has emerged at a time when the Indian film industry is already reeling under the weight of escalating production costs and uncertain revenue streams. Given the pressures arising from economic recession, inflation, and job losses, the manner in which people choose to spend on entertainment is likely to undergo a shift in the coming months.
This burden will inevitably fall upon the entire film ecosystem—encompassing producers, theater owners, distributors, financiers, actors, technicians, and the workforce alike.
If cinema is to continue its growth trajectory, we must ensure that every single rupee spent is utilized effectively and directly for the betterment of the film itself; it must not be squandered merely to create an illusion of grandeur.
Any economic reform implemented within the film industry must not, under any circumstances, compromise the wages, safety, dignity, sustenance, transportation, accommodation, or humane working conditions of the workforce. No additional burden should be imposed upon those who toil the hardest.
The true reforms we need to undertake lie elsewhere. The areas truly requiring reform are poor planning, avoidable wastage, ostentatious extravagance, unnecessary foreign travel, production delays, and the ever-widening disconnect between expenditure and its actual purpose.
Must every love story invariably blossom in Paris? Must every honeymoon inevitably conclude in Switzerland? Fortunately, love requires no foreign exchange. Indian cinema—and indeed the Indian people—deserve to place a little more faith in themselves and in our beautiful nation.
I believe this is the opportune moment for thinkers across the entire Indian film industry to come together. I call for an open and frank dialogue among producers, actors, directors, trade unions, studios, theater owners, distributors, OTT platforms, and federations to engage in a comprehensive discussion on how we can collectively confront the economic challenges that lie ahead.
We must jointly formulate best practices and sustainable operational models for efficient filmmaking. Focus must be placed on prudent filming practices, streamlined schedules, curbing expenses related to extravagance and entourages, restricting foreign travel when suitable local alternatives exist, conserving energy at shooting locations and studios, and encouraging the reuse of materials utilized in set construction.
There is a misconception that grandeur is synonymous with extravagance. Yet, our finest films were not built upon luxury; rather, they were crafted through meticulous planning, flawless execution, and unwavering conviction.
At a time of global uncertainty, the nationwide call for responsible consumption and collective discipline serves as a timely reminder that every sector must operate with foresight and restraint. The Indian film industry, too, must recognize its responsibility and act in alignment with this prevailing context.
This is a moment to prioritize the national interest above individual gain. Our film industry reaches millions of people every single day; It plays a pivotal role in shaping culture and stimulating thought. Cinema bears responsibilities that extend far beyond mere entertainment.
It is those who have gained the most from this industry who must be the first to set an example. If we safeguard the economic well-being of cinema today, we can secure its future tomorrow.
With respect and a sense of responsibility,
Kamal Haasan.