For the past few days, intense discussions have been taking place within the Telugu film industry regarding the percentage system for single-screen theatres. Producers, distributors, exhibitors, and industry bodies such as the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) have been involved in talks to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the big-budget film Peddi is gearing up for release on June 4, and the ongoing stalemate is expected to have a significant impact on the film’s release strategy. Before the situation escalated further, several exhibitors, distributors, and producers met Chiranjeevi to discuss the issue and seek a solution.
Chiranjeevi patiently listened to the concerns raised by single-screen theatre owners and assured exhibitors that their problems would be addressed. Telangana FDC Chairman Dil Raju, TFCC president Suresh Babu, producers K L Narayana and Allu Aravind, along with representatives from the Telangana exhibitors’ association, participated in the meeting.
After hearing all the concerns in detail, Chiranjeevi reportedly said that justice should be done to everyone associated with the industry. He clarified that the discussion was not about one particular film or one specific sector, but about ensuring fairness to all stakeholders involved in the Telugu film industry.
He also reminded everyone that the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) remains the highest governing body of the Telugu film industry and stressed that all parties should respect and abide by the decisions taken by the TFCC.
The exhibitors explained to Chiranjeevi the financial struggles being faced by single-screen theatres and pointed out that earlier committees formed to resolve similar issues had failed to deliver concrete outcomes. However, Chiranjeevi expressed confidence in the newly formed TFCC committee and said it would thoroughly examine every aspect of the issue before June 30. He assured the members that the committee would work towards a percentage-sharing model that ensures fairness to producers, distributors, and exhibitors alike. He also promised to personally ensure that the committee completes its responsibilities within the stipulated time and submits its report.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dil Raju said the exhibitors were satisfied with the outcome of the discussions.
“Representatives of the Telangana Chamber exhibitors, Suresh Babu garu, K L Narayana garu, and I met Chiranjeevi garu. Later, Allu Aravind garu also joined the meeting. We explained the problems exhibitors are facing regarding the percentage system. Chiranjeevi garu listened very carefully and understood the issue. He assured the exhibitors that he would gather more details from the committee formed by the Chamber a week ago and review the matter. He said the issue would be handed over to the committee and resolved within two days through discussions. The Chamber will officially announce the details. At present, all the exhibitors are happy,” said Dil Raju.
Telangana Chamber secretary Sridhar said they received a positive response from Chiranjeevi. “The meeting lasted for nearly one hour and ten minutes. We explained all the issues faced by exhibitors, including the closure of theatres. Chiranjeevi garu listened carefully and assured us that he would also speak with the committee that has already been formed. We too will hold another meeting with exhibitors and announce our final decision,” he said.
Apart from Suresh Babu, the meeting was attended by Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, K L Narayana, Suniel Narang, Bharat Narang, Telangana Film Chamber president Shekhar, Anupam, Sridhar, Sadanand Goud, Sudarshan Theatre proprietor Raj, and several others.
