Tensions within the Telugu film industry came out in the open as members of the Active Producers Guild indirectly targeted producer-distributor Dil Raju, his associate Shirish, and exhibitor-distributor Suniel Narang during a press meet held on Wednesday.
The controversy began after the Telangana Exhibitors Association recently highlighted the struggles of exhibitors, particularly single-screen theater owners, under the current rental system. The association urged the industry to immediately shift to the percentage-sharing system (PS).
Responding to these demands, producers including Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili, Sahu Garapati, and Naga Vamsi questioned the timing of the issue, especially when big-ticket films are gearing up for release.
Ravi Shankar pointed out that the industry is already battling several challenges and expressed hope that upcoming films like “Peddi” would bring some positivity to the trade. Taking an indirect dig at Dil Raju and Shirish, he suggested that they should first implement the percentage system for their own big releases before expecting others to follow.
“You release a big film with the percentage system across theaters first. Then we will follow. We will even erect a statue for you in Film Nagar,” Ravi Shankar remarked sarcastically.
Producer Naga Vamsi also lashed out at Suniel Narang, accusing multiplex chains of weakening the single-screen ecosystem.
“This person converted many single screens into multiplexes and now speaks about the plight of single theaters,” he said.
Naga Vamsi further cited the example of Hyderabad’s Moosapet area, pointing out that while the Laxmikala multiplex was renovated recently, the nearby Sri Ramulu single-screen theater continues to remain neglected.
“When Mythri renovated Vimal theater with modern facilities, why can’t others do the same for their single screens?” he questioned.
