Dil Raju claimed that with big films like Thug Life, Kubera along with Hari Hara Veera Mallu slated for release in June, they are looking for a turnaround and cover up the losses.
Dil Raju during the press conference (Photo: Screen-grab from X)
Leading Telugu film producer and exhibitor Dil Raju clarified on Monday that no one had plans to shut down theatres ahead of Pawan Kalyan's movie release.
"No one has the guts to stop release of Pawan Kalyan film Hari Hara Veera Mallu and vested interests are spreading false rumours," he said in a press conference.
"The issue began on April 19 when exhibitors and distributors from East Godavari resolved to shut down theatres in their region if their demands were not met. But subsequent meetings softened the issue, while producers understood exhibitors' woes," he informs.
Thereafter, exhibitors in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh also met and came with few demands like the percentage system.
"Theatre shut down was never in agenda in any meeting and it's all about exhibitors seeking few benefits," he adds.
However, after May 24, things took a deviation and led to rumours that theatres would shut down for the upcoming Pawan Kalyan movie.
"News claiming theatre shut down for Pawan movie spread and the whole issue went the wrong way, causing unnecessary confusion. Although I haven't heard of theatres downing shutters in my 30 years in film industry, unnecessary rumours annoyed AP government which is quite unfortunate," he points out.
He claims that films like Bhairaavam, Thug Life and Kubera along with Hari Hara Veera Mallu are slated for release in June.
"We had very bad summer in April and May due to IPL, few bad movies and other reasons. We were hoping for a turnaround in June and July and cover up our losses. Then why would we shut down theatres and it was some one's figment of imagination. Why would anyone think of stopping Pawan Kalyan movie who is big star with a huge following. May be he was misled but from our Telugu film chamber of commerce has never sent such signals," he reasons.
However, he admitted that industry bigwigs woke up at the last moment.
"I agree that filmmakers rush to meet Chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during release of our films to seek ticket price hike. I wish we would meet head of states more often rather than a week before release," he explains.
Expressing gratitude to AP government for understanding their reason, he said trade bodies would always work with respective governments. "We will maintain cordial relations with governments like before," the ex- President of Telugu film chamber of commerce concluded.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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