Is There a Move to Shut Down Theatres Ahead of Pawan Kalyan's Movie Release?

Hyderabad, May 26 (NationPress) Renowned Tollywood producer and exhibitor Dil Raju firmly refuted any intentions to close theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ahead of the anticipated release of Pawan Kalyan's film. He informed reporters that no one possesses the audacity to halt the launch of Pawan Kalyan’s movie ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’, set to premiere on June 12.

Dil Raju, who also chairs the Telangana State Film Development Corporation, accused certain individuals of disseminating misleading information.

He emphasized that he was not involved in any discussions regarding a theatre shutdown, nor had the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce issued any directives to that effect. “Why would anyone consider obstructing a film featuring Pawan Kalyan, a prominent star with a substantial fan base?” he questioned.

On April 19, exhibitors and distributors from the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh had resolved to close theatres if their demands went unaddressed. However, Dil Raju asserted that their position softened as producers recognized the challenges faced by exhibitors.

He also mentioned that exhibitors in various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had raised certain demands, such as the percentage system. Nevertheless, he maintained that a theatre shutdown was never part of any agenda in discussions.

Rumors have circulated recently about a potential theatre shutdown for Pawan Kalyan's movie. Other films, including Bhairaavam, Thug Life, and Kubera, are also scheduled for release in June.

Dil Raju indicated that these rumors had caused confusion and irritated the Andhra Pradesh government.

Kandula Durgesh, the state’s Tourism and Cinematography Minister and a member of Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena, suggested that there was a conspiracy behind the theater closure call and demanded an investigation into who initiated it.

Pawan Kalyan himself criticized the Tollywood industry for lacking respect towards the TDP-led NDA government while it considers granting industry status and further developing it.

The Deputy Chief Minister noted that Tollywood representatives had not met with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in over a year since the coalition government formed.

He remarked that filmmakers only approach the government during movie releases, expressing that the industry had forgotten the perceived indignities suffered during the previous YSR Congress administration.

Pawan Kalyan announced that individual meetings regarding ticket pricing or film releases would no longer be entertained; all discussions must go through recognized film associations. His statement also criticized the industry's silence on pressing matters like transparency in theatre revenues, tax compliance, inadequate infrastructure in single-screen and multiplex cinemas, and confusion over ticket pricing regulations.

In response to Pawan Kalyan's comments, esteemed filmmaker Allu Aravind distanced himself from the group accused of monopolizing theatrical business choices.

Denying any association with the alleged quartet influencing theatre policies, Aravind clarified that his company does not own any theatres in Telangana, apart from AAA.

He also stated that out of the 1500 theatres in the Telugu states, his company operates only about 15, which are soon to be transferred to another owner.

The veteran producer expressed his support for Pawan Kalyan and criticized the alleged move to close theatres.