Telugu film exhibitors to put strike on hold

Leading Telugu film producers had a meeting with exhibitors' association on Wednesay, to discuss the ongoing dispute over revenue share model for theatrical business of movies. While the meeting remained inconclusive, and the concerned bodies will officially continue to meet over coming few days to make a final decision, an unofficial interim consensus was reached upon between the two bodies.

As per a source close to the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), the distributors have put a temporary hold to their decision of shutting down all single-screen theatres. The said decision has been reached upon considering the potential theatrical business of upcoming big releases like Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life and Pawan Kalyan starrer Hari Hara Veera Mallu, both of which are slated to hit theatres on June 12.

In an official statement, TFCC chairman Dr Pratani Ramakrishna Goud called upon the governemnt of both Telugu states to intervene and reintroduce the percentage system. Dr Goud also stated that the proposed percentage system would be equally beneficial to producers, exhibitors, and distributors, while also encouraging more opportunities for small producers.

It is to be noted that the percentage system was in practice until 2002. However, a few big Telugu producers decided to bring in rental system which made things difficult for single-screen theatre owners. The said rental model is being followed currently by distributors and exhibitors.

Earlier on Sunday, exhibitors from AP and Telugu declared a complete shutdown of theatres, beginning on June 1, after holding a joint meeting with exhibitors association where they expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing rental-based model and formally issued a bandh notice.