Peddi Faces Heat As Telangana Exhibitors Demand Percentage Module
The exhibitors also opposed the proposed grading system for theatres, saying such demands were unfair and would create further complications.
Hyderabad: Over 180 Telangana exhibitors have strongly reiterated their demand for implementing the percentage-sharing system starting with the upcoming big-ticket film Peddi and extending it to future releases.
Speaking after a general body meeting, exhibitors argued that the percentage model is already being followed successfully in states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. They questioned why single-screen exhibitors in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continue to be excluded.
“We are being deprived of a system that is being implemented elsewhere. Producers are already sharing revenue with multiplex chains, so why avoid extending the same to us?” said exhibitor Vijayender Reddy. He stressed that single-screen theatres still contribute significantly to collections despite changing market trends.
He also expressed concern over reports suggesting exhibitors may be asked to skip screening Peddi. “That is not fair. We want Peddi to be released in our theatres as well. We hope the issue gets resolved within a day or two because everyone already has enough pressure,” he added.
The exhibitors also opposed the proposed grading system for theatres, saying such demands were unfair and would create further complications.
During the meeting, J Sekar Rao was selected as the new president of the Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the need for unity and solutions that support theatre owners.
Exhibitor Ravindra highlighted the financial strain on theatre owners, especially in smaller centers. “Around 300 theatres are facing severe challenges, and many are shutting down. C-centres are suffering the most. Even rental payments have become difficult,” he said.
Exhibitor Bala Govinda Raju pointed out that smaller films have struggled for the last two years and acknowledged the pressure on exhibitors. 'Many films, including Ninne Pelladatha, fetched 60% of revenue for exhibitors and 40% for producers over a longer run. like 100 days in the past. But nowadays, film runs have come down drastically along with theatre earnings," he adds
Telangana office-bearers collectively maintained that the percentage-sharing system remains their key demand and asserted that exhibitors are united on the issue.
An exhibitor says that theatres in B & C centres are going through bad times, and many theatres are shutting down. "We received Rs 10,000 out of 1.50.000 gross collections for Salaar, which doesn't help us to pay my staff, let alone maintenance, power charges, since revenue sharing has been a long-pending issue from 2008, " adds another exhibitor, urging producers to treat them as a family.
