Fondly called ‘Aa Naluguru’, the Telugu Film Industry is said to be running under their dictatorship. These four individuals have a stronghold over cinema theatres, distribution, and also produce films. They are now calling the shots and the present issue of revenue sharing between exhibitors and producers is reportedly emerging because of them.
A few days ago, exhibitors from the Telugu states announced their decision to close theatres starting June 1. Later, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce held meetings with exhibitors and distributors, requesting them not to shut down theatres and inviting them for talks. However, cinema lovers were surprised to hear this sudden announcement from the exhibitors. Until now, cinema theatres were operating on a rental basis, but now the exhibitors are demanding a percentage-based revenue model. Single-screen theatre owners are particularly keen on shutting down operations. Interestingly, in the Telugu Film Industry, the four people—commonly referred to as ‘Aa Naluguru’—who control many theatres are also the distributors and producers. A source claims that these four are trying to halt Pawan Kalyan’s film Hari Hara Veera Mallu by raising the theatre rental issue. “That’s the reason these four didn’t attend the exhibitors and distributors meeting held a few days ago at the Film Chamber Office,” the source added.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has repeatedly expressed his desire to support the Telugu Film Industry’s growth in the state. He reiterated at the Game Changer pre-release event that he respects the industry, which is why he approved a ticket price hike to help generate government revenue. However, these four appear to have decided to oppose Pawan Kalyan and suddenly brought up the revenue-sharing issue just before the release of his film.
Most theatres in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are controlled by these four individuals. “When their films release, they act as if there are no issues in the industry. But when a producer they don’t like releases a film, they create obstacles,” says an industry insider who wished to remain anonymous.
Since Pawan Kalyan assumed the Deputy CM role, several industry figures including Suresh Babu, Dil Raju, Allu Aravind, Ashwini Dutt, and Supriya have met him. Pawan clearly stated that producers can meet him with any problems—actors need not. He assured them that the government is willing to help with any issues. However, industry representatives have still not approached Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The AP Government is closely observing these developments. Most single-screen theatres are on lease to these four individuals. What happens once those leases end? After nearly five years, Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu is set to release on June 12, produced by A.M. Rathnam. “These four are targeting Pawan Kalyan’s film, hence this sudden percentage issue,” adds the source.
