Despite producer’s reluctance, Telangana exhibitors remain adamant about receiving a 7.5% share from the additional revenue generated through the enhanced ticket prices for the upcoming Telugu film Peddi. “They have to give us the amount. There is no other way,” said an exhibitor. “The Telugu Film Chamber had promised exhibitors 7.5% of the revenue generated through the hiked ticket rates for Peddi. Some exhibitors are even considering deducting their share from collections and remitting the balance to distributors and producers, since the commitment was made by the trade body.”. The sports drama has collected Rs 140 crore share in Telugu states till date.
He clarified that exhibitors are seeking a share only from the additional revenue generated through the ticket hike and not from the regular collections.
“For example, if a theatre usually generates a gross of ₹60,000 per week and earns an additional ₹40,000 because of the increased ticket prices, exhibitors would be given 7.5% of that ₹40,000, not the entire gross revenue. Our demand is both justified and logical. Andhra Pradesh exhibitors were also promised a separate compensation structure, and they too are awaiting clarity,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the ongoing dispute between producers and exhibitors took a fresh turn during a sub-committee meeting held recently. As previously reported, the Chamber had promised exhibitors 7.5% of the revenue generated through hiked ticket prices and additional rentals collected from premiere shows of Peddi.
However, Peddi producer Satish Kilaru has now stated that he was unaware of the decision and that it was taken unilaterally without his consent. Consequently, he has said that he cannot honour the commitment.
Two meetings have been held on the issue. In the first meeting, Kilaru attended and requested stakeholders to exempt Peddi from the arrangement, but no decision was reached.
In May end, the Chamber issued a press note and also sent a formal communication to Vriddhi Cinemas confirming the commitment. Kilaru responded to the letter on June 15, stating that he could not agree to the arrangement.
According to Kilaru, he was occupied with the film’s promotional activities and was not informed about the decision. During today’s meeting, exhibitors strongly objected to the producer’s stand, and the Chamber is expected to take a final decision shortly.
A senior member of the Chamber expressed disappointment over the manner in which the issue has unfolded. “The top office-bearers of both the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce have lost credibility by joining a delegation to meet Chiranjeevi garu. Meeting him was not the issue, but it would have been more appropriate if he had visited the Chamber office. That would have upheld the stature and authority of the trade bodies. Institutions should have the upper hand in resolving industrial disputes, while individuals have only a limited role. The ball is now back in the Chamber’s court,” he said.
When contacted, Vijayender Reddy, who represents around 260 single-screen theatres in Telangana, said discussions are continuing. “Talks are on regarding the percentage share and we are confident that the commitment that was made before the film’s release would be honoured,” he said.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
