If sources are to be believed, megastar Chiranjeevi is expected to play mediator in the growing standoff between producers and exhibitors over the release model of Peddi. He is reportedly scheduled to meet five to seven leading exhibitors today in an attempt to ease tensions and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
Sources indicate that Telangana exhibitors had earlier expressed interest in seeking Chiranjeevi’s intervention, considering his influence and long-standing role in the Telugu film industry. With the issue now gaining momentum, all eyes are on the outcome of the discussions.
Peddi Turns into a Flashpoint
The upcoming big-budget film Peddi has unexpectedly become the focal point of a larger industry debate. Telangana exhibitors are pushing for the implementation of a percentage-sharing model instead of the existing rental system, while producers believe the timing may not be suitable given the current market scenario.
The disagreement has gradually intensified, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.
Producers Fear Financial Pressure
Producer Ravi Shankar Yellamanchili, who is backing Peddi, expressed concern over the situation and cautioned against putting pressure on specific films.
He stressed that the film industry works as a collective system and decisions should be taken through discussions rather than through pressure tactics. He also suggested that Peddi should not be used as a testing ground for immediate changes and maintained that any shift in business models should happen after wider consultations.
Ravi Shankar further hinted that certain distributors may be contributing to the issue because of the lack of major releases in hand.
Major Revenue Concerns Surface
Industry insiders claim that introducing a sharing model for Peddi at this stage could have financial consequences.
Sources estimate that producers and distributors together could potentially see a revenue impact of nearly Rs 17–18 crore across the Telugu states if the film adopts the new model.
They also pointed out that Mythri Movie Makers, which has expanded its presence into distribution and handled projects like Salaar, would be relying heavily on strong theatrical returns from nearly 1,200 single-screen theatres to recover its substantial investment.
Exhibitors Continue to Push for Change
Despite the concerns raised by producers, Telangana exhibitors have refused to step back. More than 180 exhibitors are said to have reiterated their demand that the percentage-sharing system should begin with Peddi and continue for future releases as well.
With Telangana accounting for more than 450 theatres, the issue has become a significant one for the industry.
Exhibitors Question Existing System
Exhibitors argue that several states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, have already adopted the percentage-sharing model successfully.
They believe single-screen theatres in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are being left out despite their continued contribution to the theatrical business. Exhibitor Vijayender Reddy reportedly questioned why a similar structure could not be extended to them when multiplex chains are already operating under revenue-sharing arrangements.
He also made it clear that exhibitors are not looking to block Peddi and expressed hope that discussions would bring clarity soon.
Focus Shifts to Chiranjeevi Meeting
With both camps sticking to their stand, Chiranjeevi’s intervention could prove crucial in breaking the deadlock. Industry circles are now hoping that the discussions lead to a middle path and prevent further complications ahead of Peddi’s release.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
