A fresh controversy has emerged in the Telugu film industry over the implementation of the percentage system in single-screen theatres. The issue has led to a sharp disagreement between Telangana exhibitors and the Producers Guild, dividing the industry.
Mythri Producer Calls for Stakeholder Consensus
Reacting to the issue, Mythri Movie Makers producer Y. Ravi Shankar said that any decision on this issue should be taken only after discussions with producers, distributors, and exhibitors, so that it is acceptable to everyone involved.
For decades, single-screen theatres have been operating under the rental system. Recently, Telangana exhibitors made a key decision to replace this with a percentage-based revenue-sharing model, similar to the system followed in multiplexes.
However, the Producers Guild opposed this move from Telangana exhibitors and the Film Chamber. Responding to the development, Ravi Shankar stated that implementing the percentage system immediately could have a serious impact, especially on big-budget films.
No Overnight Rule Changes, Says Ravi Shankar
He stressed that rules should not be changed overnight and that such major decisions must be taken only with the consent of all stakeholders.
The demand to replace the rental system with a percentage model in single-screen theatres has been around for many years. As part of this move, 23 theatres in Hyderabad have reportedly decided to screen films under the percentage system. The Film Chamber has also officially released a statement regarding this.
According to the announcement, top distributors such as Shirish Reddy, Suniel Narang, and Bobby have agreed to the proposal. It was also mentioned that Mythri’s Shashidhar Reddy said he would take some time to think and share his opinion later.
Mythri Rejects Current Percentage Proposal
Speaking on behalf of Mythri Movie Makers, Ravi Shankar made it clear that they cannot welcome the percentage system in its current form.
“If a decision is taken suddenly and we are told it must be implemented immediately, that is highly unfair. That is exactly why we opposed it. We recently made our stand clear,” he said.
He further added that such a major change cannot be decided by just a few people speaking among themselves.
“If there had been proper preparation from the beginning, it would be different. But this is not something that can be decided instantly. The film industry ecosystem supports hundreds and thousands of people. Ours is a very large family. We need to take everyone’s opinions into account.”
Industry-Wide Committee Needed
Ravi Shankar also suggested forming a committee with representatives from all sections of the industry ecosystem and holding detailed discussions before arriving at any final decision.
“Any decision should be made through a proper process and in a systematic manner,” he concluded.
The controversy has deepened the divide between Telangana exhibitors and the Producers Guild, with the industry facing potential screening disruptions if a consensus is not reached soon.