Exhibitors in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had announced a bandh of single-screen theatres starting June 1, citing ongoing conflicts with film producers over the current revenue-sharing model. However, the bandh has now been temporarily suspended due to the impending release of two major Telugu films — Hari Hara Veera Mallu (HHVM) and Thug Life.
According to a report by Cinema Express, representatives from the Telugu film industry, including producers and members of the exhibitors’ association, met on Wednesday to deliberate the revenue-sharing impasse. Though the meeting did not result in a final resolution, the parties agreed to continue discussions.
Despite the lack of a formal agreement, a temporary understanding was reached. A source close to the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) revealed that the exhibitors have agreed to pause the bandh, recognizing the box office potential of Thug Life, which releases on June 5, and HHVM, scheduled for June 12.
TFCC Chairman Dr. Pratani Ramakrishna Goud issued an official statement, urging both state governments to step in and restore the previously used percentage-based revenue model. He emphasized that this model would not only benefit exhibitors but also support producers and distributors, ultimately fostering growth for emerging talent in the industry.
The bandh was originally proposed to protest the current rental-based model, which replaced the percentage system in 2002. Exhibitors argue that the rental model disadvantages them, especially in the case of underperforming films.
If talks fall through and the bandh is reinstated, only multiplexes would operate from June 1 onward, while single screens would shut down. This could significantly impact the theatrical runs of several high-profile films releasing in June, including Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and Trisha Krishnan, as well as HHVM featuring Pawan Kalyan and Bobby Deol. Other films such as Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, and Kannappa with Vishnu Manchu, are also set to release next month.
While the immediate crisis is averted, the industry awaits a long-term solution that satisfies all stakeholders and ensures the stability of theatrical exhibition in the Telugu states.
