Biju Menon has been criticised by FEFKA for allegedly skipping film promotions, reportedly causing a Rs 25 lakh loss. General secretary B Unnikrishnan stressed professionalism and contractual obligations, while producer Anoop Kannan echoed concerns. Menon has yet to respond to the allegations
Biju Menon
Veteran Malayalam actor Biju Menon has been publicly criticised by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) for allegedly failing to attend essential promotional events for his films, a lapse that, according to industry officials, has resulted in significant financial losses for producers. The issue was highlighted at a press conference held on February 9 by B Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of FEFKA, who called out Menon’s conduct and stressed the importance of professionalism in the Malayalam film industry.
Biju Menon accused of not honouring the contract
Unnikrishnan accused Menon of not honouring his contractual obligations to participate in promotional activities, particularly for the recent release Valathu Vashathe Kallan, directed by Jeethu Joseph. The general secretary alleged that one producer, who is also a director, lost around Rs 25 lakh because Menon’s absence meant a television promotional deal could not be finalised. He emphasised that attending promotional events is part of the standard agreement under the Producers’ Association and should be treated with the same seriousness as negotiating salaries.
According to Unnikrishnan, this issue is symptomatic of broader professional challenges within the industry. He also criticised the habitual late arrival of actors on set, which has reportedly delayed shooting schedules and driven up production costs. FEFKA has been pushing for improved discipline and stronger enforcement of contractual commitments to help films reach their commercial potential and protect the interests of technicians and crew members.
FEFKA condemns the actor
In response to these broader concerns, FEFKA announced a revised agreement with the Kerala Film Producers’ Association that reduces daily working hours on set from 16 to 12 hours, intended to improve working conditions for film workers. However, wage changes tied to this agreement are expected to take effect only after a year.
Producer-director Anoop Kannan has also shared his frustration, recounting that Menon made only a brief appearance for promotions of an earlier film despite contractual requirements for multiple days of engagement, further aggravating financial and promotional setbacks.
So far, Biju Menon has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations or explaining his absence from promotional duties, and the controversy continues to spark discussion within the Malayalam film fraternity about actor responsibilities and contract enforcement.
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