A press meet was held today by Telangana exhibitors demanding a shift from the rental-based system to a percentage-based revenue-sharing model. The exhibitors even cited films like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and Pushpa 2 to explain how the rental system is affecting theatres while producers are maximizing returns.
Shirish Reddy of SVC made a major statement that is now doing the rounds on social media. He said exhibitors have collectively decided not to screen films with hiked ticket prices, even if the government grants permission through GOs. If this happens, it could deal a major blow to Ram Charan’s Peddi, whose release is less than a month away.
Peddi’s distribution in Nizam will be handled by Mythri Movie Makers, and the production house has already expressed its stand against the percentage-sharing system. Will Peddi release with regular ticket prices, or will the makers find a way around the issue? It remains to be seen.