Telangana Exhibitors Firm on 7.5% Share From Peddi Revenue?
He clarified that exhibitors are seeking a share only from the additional revenue generated through the ticket hike and not from the regular collections.
Hyderabad: Telangana exhibitors are firm on taking 7.5 per cent of the additional revenue generated by the Telugu film ‘Peddi’ through the enhanced ticket prices. However, film producer Satish Kilaru has rejected the demand as he was not a party to the revenue-sharing deal.
“The Telugu Film Chamber had promised exhibitors 7.5 per cent of the revenue generated through the hiked ticket rates for ‘Peddi’. Some exhibitors are even considering deducting their share from collections and remitting the balance to distributors and producers, since the commitment was made by the trade body,” said an exhibitor.
The sports-based film has collected `140 crore in the Telugu states till date. “They have to give us the amount. There is no other way,” said the exhibitor, adding that they were only seeking a share of the additional revenue generated through the ticket price hike.
“For example, if a theatre earns `40,000 because of the increased ticket rate, the exhibitor must get 7.5 per cent of `40,000. Our demand is both justified and logical. Andhra Pradesh exhibitors were also promised a separate compensation structure, and they too are awaiting clarity,” he explained.
Two meetings have been held on the issue till now. In the first meeting, producer Kilaru requested that the chambers exempt ‘Peddi’ from the arrangement, but no decision was reached. Kilaru also said that he could not honour any commitment made by the chambers unilaterally without his consent.
In the last week of May, the Chamber issued a press statement and also sent a formal communication to Vriddhi Cinemas confirming the revenue-sharing commitment. Kilaru responded to the Chamber’s letter on June 15, stating that he cannot agree to the arrangement.
According to Kilaru, he was occupied with the film’s promotional activities and was not informed about the decision. During Tuesday’s meeting, exhibitors strongly objected to the producer’s stand, and the Chamber is expected to take a final decision shortly.
A senior member of the chamber expressed disappointment over the manner in which the issue has unfolded. “The top office-bearers of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce have lost credibility by joining a delegation to meet Chiranjeevi. It would have been more appropriate if Chiranjeevi had visited the Chamber’s office, as it would have increased the stature and authority of the trade bodies,” he said.
When contacted, Vijayender Reddy, who represents around 260 single-screen theatres in Telangana, said discussions were continuing. “Talks are on regarding the percentage share, and we are confident that the commitment that was made before the film’s release would be honoured,” he said.
