Exhibitors In Telugu States Push For Fair Revenue Share To Save Single Screens
Exhibitors in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have raised their voice again for a percentage based revenue share. They say single screen theatres are struggling and may shut down from May 29 if no solution is found. Right now, big films follow a rental model where theatre owners pay a fixed amount. Exhibitors feel this is unfair because costs are high and movies run for fewer weeks now. They want the same percentage share system that multiplexes already use. A key meeting with distributors and producers is planned this week to solve the issue.
Many exhibitors say the current system helps producers and distributors more, but leaves theatres with losses. Movies like F2 ran for eight weeks earlier, but now films like Dhurandhar finish their theatre run in two or three weeks. With OTT and quick releases, people watch films fast and then move on. This makes fixed rent risky for single screens. In April, 23 theatres in Telangana already tried a week by week percentage model to stay open. Fans online are also talking about how ticket prices and rental costs make it hard for small theatres to survive.
The Telangana Exhibitors Association has written an open letter to star heroes and producers asking for help. They say single screens are part of cinema culture and must be saved. The group pointed out that producers already use percentage sharing for most of the year, but big festival releases still follow rent. They also said other states give single screens a fair share even for Telugu films like Pushpa. Producer Y Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers feels the change should not be sudden and wants more talks. Exhibitors say they are not targeting anyone, they just want equal rules for all.
At a press meet, exhibitors Suniel Narang and Shirish said the rent and occasional percentage model no longer works. They explained that multiplexes run well on percentage share, but single screens are left out even when they bring good collections. If theatres shut down, producers and distributors will also lose. The group said they will not hike ticket prices even if new orders come. They just want a fair deal where risk and reward are shared by everyone. With the meeting coming up soon, the next few days are important for Telugu cinema and single screen theatres and also a big movie like Peddi is ready for release, an amicable solution must be reached.
