Leasing System Threatens Telugu Cinema Exhibitors: Dilip Raja

VIJAYAWADA: Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of cinema exhibitors, MAA-AP founder and film director D. Dilip Raja on Friday said that the run rate of exhibitors has fallen to alarming levels, threatening the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the Telugu film industry.

Speaking at a meeting of Andhra Pradesh Film Crafts held at the MAA-AP office in Tenali, Dilip Raja alleged that the prevailing leasing system had contributed significantly to the crisis facing the exhibition sector. The meeting was chaired by director of photography Vamsidhar.

Dilip Raja said several factors had adversely affected the performance of single-screen theatres, including a decline in the number of films being produced, fewer releases by leading heroes, a string of box-office failures and various production-related issues. These developments, he noted, had sharply reduced exhibitors’ earnings and weakened the overall exhibition network.

Urging immediate intervention, he appealed to the industry sub-committee comprising leading producers Suresh Babu, Dil Raju, Allu Aravind and Dr K.L. Narayana to take corrective measures and evolve a workable solution.

Dilip Raja also suggested that the views of the newly appointed Andhra Pradesh Film Development Council be taken into consideration while formulating industry reforms. He said the continued instability in the film industry had severely affected the livelihoods of technicians and daily-wage film workers, many of whom were struggling to make ends meet. Referring to restrictions on disclosing sub-committee deliberations, he urged committee chairman and producer D. Suresh Babu to coordinate with all stakeholders and expedite decisions to address the industry’s pressing concerns.

Representatives from the film industry and other MAA-AP members were also present.