Theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana face a possible shutdown starting June 1 if exhibitors and producers fail to resolve their ongoing disputes. According to a CinemaExpress report, around 60 exhibitors recently met with Telugu film producers such as Dil Raju and Suresh Babu to discuss persistent issues related to the current rental-based revenue sharing model.
In a joint meeting held in Hyderabad on Sunday, the exhibitor association pushed for switching to a percentage-based revenue model and threatened a bandh across the Telugu states beginning June 1 if no agreement is reached. The exhibitors also raised concerns about the quick digital release of films shortly after their theatrical runs, requesting that OTT releases be delayed to protect theatre earnings.
The report highlighted that several major producers and distributors skipped the meeting, indicating disagreements within the industry. A formal proposal will be submitted to the Film Chamber for further negotiations before the June 1 deadline. If talks fail, the bandh could disrupt several major upcoming summer releases. Notably, multiplexes outside the exhibitors’ association are expected to continue screening films.
Which movies are at risk?
Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and Trisha Krishnan, is set to release on June 5 in both Tamil and dubbed Telugu versions. Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, featuring Pawan Kalyan, Bobby Deol, and Nidhhi Agerwal, was initially scheduled for May 30 but has been postponed to June 12.
If the shutdown continues, Sekhar Kammula’s Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh, slated for June 20, could also be impacted. Additionally, Mukesh Kumar Singh’s Kannappa, featuring Vishnu Manchu alongside cameo appearances from Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, and Mohanlal, planned for June 27, may face delays as well.