The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce is reportedly convening a crucial meeting today with producers, exhibitors, and distributors to resolve the ongoing theatrical revenue-sharing crisis that has sharply divided the Telugu film industry.
“Only a trade body can resolve such a nagging issue since individuals have a limited role to play,” says a source familiar with the discussions. According to industry insiders, the long-pending demand for the percentage system has once again taken centre stage, with nearly 300 exhibitors insisting on a share in collections instead of surviving on fixed rentals.
“Exhibitors believe the rental model is no longer viable, especially for single screens,” the source adds. “At the same time, producers are unwilling to extend the sharing model to star-driven films because theatrical revenues remain one of their primary recovery avenues. That is where the clash has intensified.”
The standoff has gained urgency with several big-ticket films such as Peddi, Vishwambara, The Paradise, and Raaka lined up for release in the coming months. Exhibitors are reportedly pushing for the sharing model to begin with Peddi itself, while producers prefer implementing it only for new projects and not for the nearly 60 films already under production.
“Today’s meeting with stakeholders could help arrive at a middle ground,” the source says. “Without releases in Telangana’s single screens, even star-studded films could lose nearly 40 percent of their potential revenues.”
The Telugu Film Chamber, headed by producer-distributor-exhibitor Suresh Babu, is expected to form a committee to deliberate on the key issues and work toward a mutually acceptable solution.
Industry observers also feel the situation worsened after both producers and exhibitors addressed separate press conferences over the last two days, during which disagreements reportedly turned personal.
“When rival groups resort to personal attacks, it doesn’t augur well for the industry in the long run,” the source concludes. “The Film Chamber has enough experience and credibility to de-escalate the situation and broker a practical solution.”
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