Producer Dil Raju addressed the ongoing theatre shutdown controversy in the Telugu film industry at a recent press meet. He clarified misconceptions and shed light on the challenges faced by theatre owners and producers, particularly in the Nizam region. Raju stated that out of the 370 single-screen theatres in Nizam, his companies and SVC collectively operate only 30.
The rest are mostly run by independent owners and their associates. The press meet was held to address unanswered questions and avoid diversion from the core issues. The primary concern for exhibitors is the existing rent and percentage system.
Raju said, “In April, a few exhibitors and distributors from East Godavari brought these concerns to us. We understand the financial strain they’re under. For the past six months, we’ve been tracking collections.
theatre controversies and resolutions
They expressed that a fixed percentage system might be better.”
Currently, the model involves rent for the first week if collections are strong, with a shift to percentage-based payments from the second week onward. This has proven challenging for exhibitors.
Discussions are ongoing, but a final resolution has not been reached yet. Raju also addressed rumors about the release of the film *Hari Hara Veeramallu*. He clarified that the release date was announced but later postponed for various reasons.
A new date has not been locked, and there is no truth in the speculation that the film is being targeted. He criticized certain media narratives, stating that some sections of the media are irresponsibly writing about ‘Aa Naluguru’ without basis. Raju called these personal attacks and urged the media to understand the facts.
The film industry awaits further developments as discussions continue, hoping for a unified resolution to the ongoing controversies.
