Still no Telugu films in halls

All single-screen theatres and multiplexes in the southern states, including the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, remained shut on Friday following a plea by the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The strike was initiated to protest against charges levied by Digital Service Providers (DSPs). 

Although there were no big films playing at the box office, it is estimated that exhibitors incurred losses to the tune of Rs 6 to 7 crore.

“We want to show our solidarity which is why all theatres were closed in both our Telugu states,” said D. Suresh, chairman of the JAC. He added that since there were no big releases, the loss was small. “We decided to close only those theatres that were screening Telugu films, but other theatres who were screening Hindi and English films shut down voluntarily,” he added.

“The talks will continue from Saturday onwards,” informed Suresh, adding that whenever they reach a conclusion, they will immediately call off the strike. In the mean time, some of the theatres in the state screened English and Hindi movies on Saturday.