Breaking: Theatres Bandh from June 1?

Tollywood is likely to face major disruptions in the coming weeks. At a joint meeting held today by film exhibitors from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, discussions reportedly led to a shocking proposal, a complete shutdown of theatres from June 1.

Exhibitors are unhappy with the current rental-based system and are now demanding a shift to a percentage-based revenue model. Sources say most Exhibitors agreed to go ahead with this new model and are united in their stand.

Interestingly, several top distributors and producers skipped today’s meeting. This has sparked talk that many of them are unhappy with the proposed changes.

The exhibitors are reportedly planning to first submit a formal request letter along with a bandh notice and then announce their action plan. If the shutdown really happens, it will affect the June releases in a big way.

The first major film to face the heat would be Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’, especially its dubbed Telugu version. The Tamil version might still release as planned. But in Telugu states, only multiplexes that are not part of the association may screen it.

The real trouble, however, begins with the release of ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ on June 12. Huge investments and advances are tied to this project, and a shutdown could lead to serious complications.

With around 12 days still left, top producers might try to resolve the issue and avoid the bandh. If the percentage model is implemented across single-screen theatres, it may reduce the producers’ revenue share, a reason why some of them are opposing the idea.

The industry is still waiting for key seniors to respond. A quick resolution could prevent a bigger crisis. Around 60+ exhibitors, including Dil Raju and Suresh Babu, reportedly attended today’s meeting.