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In the press meet held this evening, Telugu film producers stated that the current theatrical ecosystem is posing serious challenges not only for exhibitors, but also for distributors and producers. It is known that exhibitors recently held a press meet demanding the implementation of the percentage system, citing severe financial difficulties.
Responding to the issue, Telugu film producers conducted a press meet this evening. Producers Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar, Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sahu Garapati, Sudhakar Cherukuri, Venkata Satish Kilaru and others participated in the media interaction.
The producers felt that it was inappropriate for exhibitors to hold a one-sided press meet and make threatening remarks. They stressed that all stakeholders should come together and resolve the matter through discussions. While expressing willingness to address exhibitors’ concerns, they also asserted that the challenges faced by distributors and producers should be given equal importance.
Producer Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar said: “The main purpose of this press meet is to present the producers’ perspective after yesterday’s exhibitors’ press meet, where they claimed injustice was being done to them. We want to clarify the facts and present the reality from our side.”
He added, “We agree that exhibitors are facing difficulties. But distributors and producers are also suffering. Please understand that this is not a problem of one section alone. For many years, producers, distributors, and exhibitors have worked together as one system. Today, none of the three sectors are truly comfortable. We cannot simply think only about our own benefit and move forward. These are not issues that can be solved overnight.”
Ravi Shankar opined that it isn’t appropriate to flare up disturbances and create panic at a time when a big film is releasing. He accepted that the fact that the issue exists, but added that all concerns must be discussed together and a solution acceptable to everyone should be reached.
He proposed a solution stating that theatres must be graded based on the facilities they offer. Ravi Shankar said that single-screen theatres need better infrastructure.
