Popular producer Dil Raju held a press conference today, on 26th May. During the meeting, he responded to a number of issues, including the issue of exhibitors-distributors-producers and AP Government’s response. Dil Raju responds to the theatre controversy and tries to clear the confusion.
The renowned producer spoke about issues such as the recent exhibitors/theatres controversy in Godavari districts, Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu release, piracy issues, and lack of unity in the chamber. He said that the issue of the rental vs. percentage system has been going on for a long time, but the industry is unable to find an amicable solution.
Dil Raju agrees that there is a dispute between Exhibitors and Distributors
According to Dil Raju, the exhibitors had raised their grievances in the Godavari districts on April 19, and he came to know about the issue in the guild meeting held on April 26. He clarified that there was a dispute between the demands of the exhibitors and the distributors.
Dil Raju talks about the Game Changer Piracy
The Game Changer producer also spoke about the film’s piracy and allegations against him. He revealed that Pawan Kalyan’s film was supposed to be released in May, but it was postponed, and explained that there are a total of 370 single screens in Nizam, out of which 30 are owned by him, 90 by Asian Sunil/Suresh, and the remaining 250 are managed by owners.
He said that piracy of ‘Game Changer’ has caused a loss to everyone, and he felt bad when a new channel stated the statement of another producer who alleged that Raju himself did the piracy of the film.
“Exhibitors have been with us for the last 30 years, and despite the assurance given to the exhibitors in the chamber, they have not spoken to the government,” he said. Dil Raju responds to the theatre controversy and tries to clear up the confusion.
There was no decision taken to shut down the theaters – Dil Raju
Raju clarified that a meeting of exhibitors was held on May 18, but there is no truth in the word ‘theatres bandh.’ “No one knows what happened in the chamber. We wanted to put up a meeting and talk about the percentage policy,” he said. He also stated that there was no chance of a bandh without any discussion, and there was wrong communication from the media about the entire issue.
Dil Raju says that there is no unity in the Telugu Cinema Industry
When asked about why the Chamber did not respond at the correct time, Dil Raju stated that the media should be careful before posting the news of such big issues. He also said that there is no unity in the film industry, be it producers, distributors, or exhibitors.
Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu release also got caught in between this theatre strike controversy, and Dil Raju clarified that no one had the information of the film’s release in June, and no one has the guts to shut down theatres when a film starring Pawan is releasing.
There are no “Aa Naluguru” in the industry – Dil Raju
Raju also said that the issue of theatre owners/exhibitors started with one exhibitor in East Godavari, but his name is being dragged by the media without any reason. He said that he is not a part of “Aa Naluguru”, a term coined by the media and said that it should find a new name/term to use against him or other producers.
