Exhibitors Urge AP Government To Save Single-Screen Theatres

The association said they are facing a severe financial crisis due to competition from multiplexes and OTT platforms.

A delegation of the association met Cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh at the Secretariat in Velagapudi and submitted to him a memorandum highlighting key issues related to the revival and sustainability of theatres across the state.

The exhibitors said single-screen theatres, which have served audiences for decades by offering affordable entertainment, are now on the verge of closure. They pointed out that rising electricity charges, municipal taxes, and mounting maintenance costs have pushed many theatre owners into financial distress.

The association urged the government to increase maintenance charges for non-AC theatres from ₹3 to ₹7 per ticket and for AC theatres from ₹5 to ₹15. The delegation further requested the government to earmark 20 per cent of the additional ticket price permitted for big-budget films towards theatre maintenance. They sought relief from commercial electricity tariffs and demanded a reduction in municipal property tax for theatres.

Responding to the appeal, minister Durgesh said the government has the responsibility of safeguarding thousands of families dependent on the film industry. Describing single-screen theatres as an integral part of Telugu culture, he assured the delegation that he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and strive for an early and positive resolution of their problems.

Among those who met the minister include association president K.S. Prasada Rao (Alankar Prasad); Gorantla Babu of Gorantla Complex, Ongole; Gowrisankar Ramu of Gowri Shankar Theatre, Guntur; Bhagawan of SP Theatres and Omkar.