A few years ago, prominent personalities of the Malayalam film industry decided that the biggest enemies to the box office collections were TV and star-nites. It now looks as if they have found a new enemy- Tamil films.

The harsh reality is that Tamil films are almost as popular in Kerala as Malayalam films. The audience enjoys the music, comedy and also all the Malayali actresses in their glamorous costumes. 'Shivaji' was a big hit. So were 'Pokkiri' and just about all the Tamil films that get released in Kerala.

A number of steps were suggested to curb the competition from Tamil. But, 'Shivaji' had nipped them in the bud.

Worried by the trend, the film industry has now decided to seek the Chief Minister's help to save the film industry. Mammooty, the Malayalam superstar, met the Chief Minister had gave him a detailed petition listing the problem. They want the state government to impose special taxes for non-Malayalam films that are being screened in the state.