After leading producers like Suresh Babu, Allu Arvind, and Dil Raju, it is now the turn of another production house Mythri Movie Makers to take over theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. “Mythri Movie Makers have turned distributors with ‘Salaar’ and tasted success. They are planning to distribute more Telugu films in the days to come. Hence, they want to expand their distribution network in the two Telugu states so trying to have their own set of theatres for hassle-free releases,” says a source.
Producers Naveen Yerneni and Yallamachilli Ravi Shankar are reportedly holding talks with owners of single screens in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. “They have almost finalized deals with theater owners in Kalwakurthy, Nalgonda, and Miryalaguda and discussing with other owners in Telangana. While they have also finalized some deals with theatre owners in Andhra Pradesh. For now, they have 60-odd theatres under their belt in two states and would be roping in more soon,” informs the source.
He claims that these theatres would be taken under lease and the owners would be paid a good sum every month. “Theatre owners in towns would be paid Rs 2 to 3 lakh per month, while theatre owners in cities will get four to five times more. The lease period would be between 9 to 10 years and Mythri Movie Makers would also spend Rs 1 crore on each theatre to renovate and provide swanky ambiance for viewers,’ he adds.
Above all, they don’t need to rush to their rivals like Dil Raju, Sunil Narang, and Suresh Babu seeking theatres for their movies. “They could plan the release of their films with ease since distributors-turning-exhibitors is a safe bet in Tollywood,” he concludes.
