Petta distributor kicks up a storm

Producer Ashok Vallabhaneni, who is releasing Rajinikanth-starrer Petta in Telugu, has accused producers Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, UV Creations and a few others of controlling the entire theatre network of the Telugu film industry. 

Speaking at the Peta pre-release event on Sunday, a furious Ashok said, "Allu Aravind, Dil Raju and UV Creations have monopolised the theatre network and their writ runs large. Not only Peta, but even the NTR biopic is scrambling for theatres. These producers are behaving as if they've owned theatres since birth. Why will they not let other films play in theatres?"

He also made harsh remarks against the producers and urged the Telugu governments to regulate things. "They are trying to take over the business. If a gangster like Nayeem can be killed in an encounter, why aren't these people given similar treatment? The Telugu governments should understand the gravity of the situation and create a healthier environment," added Ashok.

Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Peta, also starring Simran, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddique and Bobby Simha is slated for release this Thursday.