Telangana film exhibitors held a meeting on Tuesday in Hyderabad, urging producers to implement the proposed “percentage sharing system” to protect and sustain single-screen theatres. The members discussed the issue in detail and took a collective stand on the need for immediate implementation.
Producer and exhibitor Shirish Reddy stated that the discussion around the percentage system is essentially a fight for survival for exhibitors and single-screen theatres. Referring to big-ticket releases, including Peddi starring Ram Charan, he clarified that they are not targeting any particular film or producer. “Earlier, during the release of Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu, we faced similar blame. But this is not aimed at troubling anyone,” he said.
He questioned why the percentage system is followed in other states while Telugu films in Telugu states continue under the rental model. “Every Telugu film is released pan-India, and in other states, the percentage system is followed. Why is it not implemented here?” he asked, citing the example of Pushpa. “The film was enjoyed worldwide, but we didn’t benefit much in Telugu states due to the rental system,” he added.
Appealing for support, Shirish Reddy urged stakeholders not to misunderstand exhibitors. He also made it clear that ticket prices will not be increased in single-screen theatres, even if a government order (G.O.) permits a hike. “We will not raise ticket prices under any circumstances,” he emphasized.
Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary Sridhar said exhibitors have been fighting for the percentage system since 2008. “Even during the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu, there were assurances, but nothing materialized,” he noted. He dismissed rumours about theatre closures, clarifying that theatres will continue to operate but will screen only those films that follow the percentage model.
He added that production houses such as Geetha Arts, Sri Venkateswara Creations, Suresh Productions, and Asian Cinemas have already adopted the system, expressing hope that others will follow. “Across the country, films are exhibited under the percentage system. If it is not implemented here, we may have no option but to shut down single-screen theatres,” he warned.
Producer Suniel Narang described the issue as extremely serious, pointing out that repeated promises to implement the system have not been fulfilled. “Producers are also facing losses, and the overall situation is not good. While multiplexes are upgrading with modern technology, single screens are struggling to keep up,” he said. He added that better facilities, such as Dolby sound systems, could bring audiences back to single-screen theatres.
“If single-screen theatres shut down, it will impact producers and distributors as well. We are not targeting anyone, but this issue has been pending for years,” he said.
Producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao highlighted that exhibitors have been facing severe hardships for over two decades. “Their situation has worsened significantly in the past year, especially over the last six months. The industry can thrive only if exhibitors are doing well,” he said, stressing the need for coordination among exhibitors, distributors, and producers.
The meeting was attended by producers Chadalavada Srinivas, Shirish Reddy, Sridhar, and Suniel Narang, along with several exhibitor members, who later addressed the media and shared their key decisions.
It appears that only two production houses — Mythri Movie Makers and Sithara Entertainments — have not agreed to the percentage system. Exhibitors stated that nearly all producers are on board, except for about one per cent. This suggests that these two major banners prefer to continue with the rental model. Interestingly, both production houses consistently produce a mix of big-budget and small films.