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23 Telangana Theatres Shift to Percentage Model from April 3

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In a major shift for the Telugu film exhibition sector, 23 single-screen theatres across Telangana have decided to move away from the rental system and adopt a percentage-based screening model starting April 3, 2026.

The decision was officially communicated through a circular issued by the Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce. According to the notice, several exhibitors expressed serious concerns over rising operational costs, especially for theatres located in prime areas with better facilities and audience comfort.

Why Telangana Theatres Are Shifting to Percentage-Based Model

The exhibitors stated that the rental system has become increasingly difficult to sustain due to high maintenance expenses, staff costs, and overall theatre operations. To ensure the survival of these cinemas, they have opted for a revenue-sharing model based on box office performance.

This move comes as single-screen theatres face mounting challenges across India, with many struggling to compete against multiplexes.

New Revenue-Sharing Terms

Under the new percentage-based system, the terms will be:

WeekTheatre Share
Week 160%
Week 250%
Week 340%

In addition, one show’s house-full gross will continue as a holdover.

This new structure is being seen as a major relief for single-screen theatres, many of which have been struggling to survive in recent years. The chamber noted that this step has been taken specifically to avoid permanent closure and maintain consistency in operations.

23 Telangana Theatres Adopting the New Model

The list includes prominent single screens across Hyderabad and surrounding areas:

  • Hitech Theatre – Madhapur
  • Sridevi Theatre – Chilkalguda
  • Arjun Theatre – Kukatpally
  • Mallikarjuna Theatre – Kukatpally
  • Sairanga Theatre – Miyapur
  • Rajyalaxmi Theatre – Uppal
  • Vimal Theatre – Balanagar
  • Shiva Shakthi Theatre – Kapra

…and 15 other theatres across the region.

Industry-Wide Trend Across Telugu States

What makes this development even more significant is that exhibitors across the region are backing the same demand. Reports suggest that exhibitors in Andhra Pradesh are also pushing for a shift to the percentage system instead of the rental model, indicating that this could soon become a wider industry trend across the Telugu states.

The move is expected to have a direct impact on film distribution economics and could potentially change how single-screen theatres operate in the coming months. This decision marks a crucial turning point for exhibitors, with the primary focus being survival and long-term sustainability of single-screen cinemas.

Thimmarajupalli TV Pre-Release Business Hits ₹3 Cr Worldwide

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Kiran Abbavaram’s production venture Thimmarajupalli TV has recorded impressive pre-release business despite featuring an entirely new cast. The rural drama inspired by real-life events has already secured theatrical deals worth approximately ₹3 crore worldwide.

Thimmarajupalli TV Pre-Release Business Breakdown

The film has done strong business across all territories, particularly in the Telugu states where rural dramas have found consistent audiences.

TerritoryBusiness
Andhra Pradesh (6 Areas)₹1 Cr
Overseas₹36 L
Karnataka₹6 L
Worldwide Total~₹3 Cr

For a debut director and a fresh lead actor, these figures are highly impressive. The Kiran Abbavaram production backing has clearly worked as the key selling point for distributors.

New Faces, Big Backing

Thimmarajupalli TV marks the debut of Sai Tej as lead actor, who previously worked as a camera assistant on Kiran’s earlier films. Veda Sree plays the female lead, while director Muniraju transitions from his role as an online editor to direction.

The film’s minimal budget structure and strong theatrical business model give it a clear path to profitability. With ₹3 crore already locked through pre-sales, the production has virtually assured returns before theatrical release.

Kiran Abbavaram’s credibility as both an actor and now producer has been crucial. Following his successes with films like KA, distributors have shown confidence in his production ventures even when featuring newcomers.

Thimmarajupalli TV is set for worldwide theatrical release on April 17, 2026. Its rural setting and real-life inspiration position it as a strong content-driven alternative in the summer release window.

Ram Charan’s Hanuman Jayanti Post Sparks Peddi Release Postponement Rumors

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Confusion surrounding Peddi’s release date has been growing over the past few days across industry circles and among fans. Now, Ram Charan‘s Hanuman Jayanti post on social media has added more fuel to the postponement speculation.

Missing Release Date in Post Raises Eyebrows

On April 2, the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Charan shared a special post on his X (Twitter) account, wishing everyone on the occasion. He used the Pehelwan image from Peddi, but notably, there was no mention of the April 30 release date in his post.

This omission has further raised doubts about whether Peddi will release as planned on April 30. A few reports suggest that even a May release is looking like a herculean task for the team.

Peddi Release Date Uncertainty Continues

The Ram Charan and Buchi Babu Sana film has been facing delays in production, and the silence on the confirmed release date is making fans anxious. While the team previously announced April 30, 2026 as the release date, the lack of recent updates and promotional activity has kept everyone guessing.

An official clarification from the makers is expected in the coming days regarding the film’s release date.

Dhurandhar 2 Hindi Version Crosses ₹800 Cr Nett, Sets New All-Time Record

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Ranveer Singh’s spy action thriller sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, has set a new benchmark by becoming the highest-grossing Hindi version (nett) in Indian cinema history. The film surpassed the ₹1000 Cr India nett milestone earlier and has now broken its own prequel’s single-language collection record.

Dhurandhar 2 Hindi Version Surpasses ₹800 Cr Nett Milestone

Dhurandhar Part 1 collected ₹800 Cr nett from its Hindi version alone, which stood as the highest ever single-language collection in the country. That record has now been surpassed by its own sequel, Dhurandhar 2, which continues its strong box office run beyond the second weekend.

FilmHindi Version Nett (India)Status
Dhurandhar 2₹800+ CrCurrent Record
Dhurandhar Part 1₹800 CrPrevious Record
Baahubali 2Combined versions₹1000+ Cr all versions
Pushpa 2Combined versions₹1000+ Cr all versions

Race to ₹1000 Cr from Single Language

Dhurandhar 2 is now aiming to achieve the ₹1000 Cr mark with the Hindi version alone — a feat no film in Indian cinema has ever accomplished. While blockbusters like Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2 crossed ₹1000 Cr nett in India, those collections came from all language versions combined.

The spy thriller sequel, directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as a pan-India phenomenon with particularly strong performance in Hindi markets. Industry analysts predict the film could set a new benchmark if it sustains momentum through weekdays.

With Dhurandhar 2 rewriting box office records, the franchise has firmly established itself as one of the biggest performers in Indian cinema across language markets.

Ramayana Glimpse Faces Criticism Over Hanuman Jayanti Release Timing Choice

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The much-awaited Ramayana glimpse was released on Hanuman Jayanti, showcasing rich visuals and a grand scale that impressed audiences across the country, but its release timing has sparked debate. However, the release timing has sparked criticism of the Ramayana producers, particularly regarding the choice of date.

Why Fans Preferred a Sri Rama Navami Release

Many followers believe the glimpse should have been released on Sri Rama Navami instead, as the footage primarily focused on Lord Rama portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. The glimpse would have served as a perfect spiritual treat for devotees on that auspicious occasion dedicated to Lord Rama.

Producer’s Birthday or Hanuman Jayanti?

A section of the audience has raised concerns that the team may have chosen the release date not solely to honor Hanuman Jayanti, but also because it coincides with producer Namit Malhotra’s birthday. This speculation gained traction because the glimpse makes no mention of Lord Hanuman, nor did the makers reference Hanuman Jayanti during the announcement.

The absence of any Hanuman-related imagery or acknowledgment in a glimpse released on Hanuman Jayanti has fueled these concerns among the fanbase.

Team’s Earlier Plans

Interestingly, the Ramayana team had earlier planned a big reveal for Sri Rama Navami, which made today’s release timing even more surprising to many fans who were expecting the glimpse during the Rama Navami festival.

Despite the timing controversy, the glimpse itself has received an overwhelmingly positive response for its grand scale, visual effects, and Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Lord Rama. The film is one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema.

Ramayana Music Falls Short of Varanasi’s Keeravani Score

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The glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Rama from Ramayana was released earlier and received a positive response from audiences. However, the film’s music is drawing unexpected criticism from fans who are comparing it unfavorably with M. M. Keeravani’s work.

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer vs Keeravani

Even the collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hollywood maestro Hans Zimmer for Ramayana has fallen short of expectations when compared to M. M. Keeravani’s music in the Varanasi glimpse. Social media discussions reveal that fans are making direct comparisons between the two epic adaptations.

Keeravani’s Divine Touch Sets the Bar

When audiences hear the music of Varanasi’s glimpse, it creates an immersive experience. The composition not only evokes goosebumps but delivers a feeling of divine, pure bliss — a signature quality that has made Keeravani a legendary musician in Indian cinema.

The legendary composer’s ability to blend devotional elements with cinematic grandeur has set a benchmark that many composers find challenging to match.

Time for Course Correction

As of now, there is considerable time before Ramayana’s release. Fans are hopeful that the music of AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will incorporate this early feedback to deliver the best possible background score for the epic adaptation.

The Rahman-Zimmer partnership was announced as a historic collaboration, and audiences still expect the final musical output to match the film’s grand scale and spiritual depth.

Ramayana Glimpse: Ranbir Kapoor Shines as Lord Rama

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The makers of Ramayana released the highly anticipated glimpse of Lord Rama on Hanuman Jayanthi, with Ranbir Kapoor impressing audiences in the divine role. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the glimpse focuses on introducing the grand world of the epic to audiences.

Grand Visuals and Epic World-Building

The glimpse showcases a rich and divine world, with visuals that are nothing short of spectacular. From what’s shown, the first part of Ramayana appears to cover Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, and Kishkindha Kanda — the foundational chapters of the epic.

Ranbir Kapoor embodies Lord Rama with grace and strength. While many fans initially had doubts about his casting, the glimpse has largely silenced skeptics. His portrayal captures the nobility and divinity of the character.

Emotional Core Must Balance Grand Spectacle

While the visuals are stunning, Ramayana’s true strength lies in its emotional depth, human values, and relationships. The glimpse prioritizes world-building and spectacle — which is impressive — but the upcoming promotional content must highlight the emotional moments that make this epic resonate across generations.

Given that Ramayana is an Indian Itihaasa (historical epic), the emotional arcs and key relationships should be front and center. As the marketing campaign progresses, audiences will want to see glimpses of the bonds between Rama and Sita, Rama and Lakshmana, and the devotion of Hanuman.

The major cast was revealed earlier, featuring Sai Pallavi as Sita and other prominent actors in key roles. With such a stellar lineup, the makers now have the opportunity to shift focus toward the emotional storytelling that will truly connect with audiences.

The magnum opus has set high expectations with its visual grandeur. Now, the challenge is to deliver the heart behind the spectacle.

Ram Charan Confirms Peddi April 30 Release, Denies Postponement

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Ram Charan has put an end to growing speculation by confirming that Peddi is not being postponed and will release as scheduled on April 30, 2026. The actor’s statement has sparked excitement among fans while contradicting strong industry buzz about a potential delay.

Ram Charan’s Surprise Confirmation

During a recent interaction with the team of Rakasa, Charan addressed the postponement rumors directly. Niharika Konidela’s production venture Rakasa is set for theatrical release on April 3rd with paid premieres scheduled for tomorrow evening. When the promotional team met Charan, he made it clear that Peddi remains locked for its April 30th date.

Industry Buzz vs Official Stand

Despite Charan’s confident assertion, persistent industry reports suggest the film may shift to a July release window. Sources close to the production have been indicating post-production timelines that could make the April deadline challenging. However, the team continues to deny these reports officially.

The clash with Dhanush's Kara on the same date adds another dimension to the release strategy. Both films targeting the April 30th slot has raised questions about whether either project might reconsider to avoid direct competition.

What This Means for Peddi Fans

Charan’s public confirmation at the Rakasa event gives fans renewed hope for the April 30 release. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi has been one of the most anticipated films in Tollywood’s 2026 lineup. The film’s promotional campaign is expected to intensify in the coming weeks if the April date holds firm.

Whether Peddi actually arrives on April 30th or shifts to July will likely become clear once the team unveils its promotional timeline and confirms advance booking dates.

Made in Korea Netflix Views Cross 13.5 Million Mark

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Made in Korea has emerged as a notable success on Netflix, drawing impressive viewership numbers and winning the hearts of audiences with its warm storytelling and emotional depth. The film has now recorded a total of 13.5 million views, reflecting its growing popularity on the streaming platform.

Viewership Performance

The movie opened on a solid note in its first week (March 12–15) by registering 4.1 million views. The momentum only grew stronger in the second week (March 16–22), when the film witnessed a significant jump to 6.7 million views, proving that positive word-of-mouth played a major role in expanding its reach.

WeekPeriodViews (Million)Total (Million)
Week 1March 12-154.14.1
Week 2March 16-226.710.8
Week 3March 23-292.713.5

In the third week (March 23–29), the film added another 2.7 million views, taking the total to an impressive 13.5 million views. These numbers underline the film’s strong appeal among family audiences and lovers of feel-good cinema.

Priyanka Arul Mohan Shines

A major highlight of the film is the performance of Priyanka Arul Mohan, who delivers a graceful and emotionally resonant act. Her screen presence, natural expressions, and effortless charm add depth to the character, making the emotional moments land beautifully with the audience. Made in Korea started streaming on Netflix on March 12, and Priyanka’s performance has been widely appreciated for bringing warmth and relatability to the film.

Director Ra Karthik’s Feel-Good Approach

Director Ra Karthik deserves equal praise for his sensitive and feel-good approach to storytelling. His direction gives the film a soothing and heartwarming tone, blending emotions, relationships, and uplifting moments in a way that connects instantly with viewers. Ra Karthik’s ability to present simple emotions with honesty is one of the key reasons behind the film’s strong reception on Made in Korea Netflix.

With such encouraging numbers and positive audience response, Made in Korea has clearly made a strong mark in the digital space, standing out as one of the most talked-about feel-good releases on Netflix in recent weeks.

Gunasekhar Calls for 3-Month OTT Window to Save Theaters

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Director Gunasekhar has joined the ongoing debate about the OTT window in the Telugu film industry, calling for a three-month delay between theatrical and streaming releases. Speaking during a recent public interaction, the filmmaker suggested that implementing a THREE-MONTH OTT WINDOW for every film could revive declining theatrical revenues.

Euphoria Director’s Stand on OTT Release Strategy

Gunasekhar released Euphoria, a social drama, in February 2026, which resulted in a big failure at the box office, though a small section of critics appreciated its noble intent. Drawing from his own experience, the director argued that the industry itself made audiences habituated to watch films on OTT platforms and in theatres accordingly, and it has to change now.

The filmmaker’s suggestion comes at a critical time when exhibitors and producers are actively discussing an 8-week OTT window to protect theatrical business. Recent meetings at the Film Chamber have seen proposals ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months, with industry stakeholders working toward a unified policy.

Audience Habits vs Industry Expectations

While Gunasekhar’s suggestion looks good on paper, the truth is that audiences nowadays decide whether to watch a movie or not by the promotional content itself. If the content does not excite them, they will not watch a movie in the theatre, even if there is a long gap between theatrical and OTT release.

The debate highlights a fundamental tension: while longer OTT windows might protect theatrical revenues in theory, content quality and promotional strategy remain the primary drivers of audience decisions. As the Telugu film industry continues these discussions, filmmakers like Gunasekhar are pushing for systemic changes to restore the theatrical experience as the primary viewing choice.