Telangana exhibitors appeal to top stars and producers

The Telangana Exhibitors Association, which represents several single-screen theaters across the state, has appealed to leading stars, producers, and distributors to help protect heritage theaters and the single-screen exhibition system.

At a press meet held today, prominent exhibitors including Suniel Narang and Shirish stressed the need for the industry to move from the existing rental-based model to a permanent percentage-sharing system.

According to the exhibitors, the current “rent and occasional percentage” model is no longer sustainable in the present market conditions. They argued that the system largely benefits producers and distributors while placing most of the financial burden on exhibitors, especially single-screen theater owners.

The association emphasized that a fixed percentage-sharing model — where revenue is shared among exhibitors, distributors, and producers — is the only practical long-term solution for the survival of theaters.

They also pointed out that multiplex chains have been operating successfully on percentage-sharing arrangements for years, while single screens are often excluded despite generating significant revenues. The exhibitors termed this disparity unfair and discriminatory.

The Telangana Exhibitors Association further stated that both risks and rewards in the film business should be shared equally among all stakeholders, including exhibitors, distributors, and producers, to ensure the healthy functioning of the theatrical ecosystem.