'Film industry will see revival, new hope to thousands of filmmakers'; Mohanlal heaps praises on new budget

KOCHI: Actor Mohanlal welcomed the government's decision to give industrial status to cinema in the state budget. Mohanlal wrote on Facebook that the Kerala government's decision to declare cinema an industry in the new budget will definitely provide a new impetus and growth to the film industry. Mohanlal said he is heartily grateful to Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Culture Minister PC Vishnunadh for taking the initiative, which has given new hope to thousands of filmmakers.

The UDF government announced plans to realise the comprehensive development of Malayalam cinema in the budget. The Chief Minister announced that the JC Daniel International Film City would be established in Kochi. He said that Rs 100 crore has been allocated in the budget for this. Plans for granting industrial status to cinema and forming an anti-piracy cell were also put forward in the budget. The government aims to create a national and international environment for the film sector in the state.

The budget will also prioritise Kerala's unique art and culture sector. The Chief Minister announced that a cultural park will be established in the Kozhikode district in the name of MT Vasudevan Nair to nurture various art forms. The Chief Minister said that facilities will be provided here for performing traditional art forms like Kathakali, Koothu, Theyyam, Thullal, Oppana, Mappilapattu, Margamkali, and various tribal art forms.