The ongoing theatre shutdown controversy in Tollywood continues to dominate headlines. After Allu Aravind spoke to the media yesterday, producer Dil Raju held a press meet today to clarify the situation.
Pawan Kalyan’s Concerns Acknowledged
Dil Raju addressed Pawan Kalyan’s concerns directly. He said it’s understandable that the actor is upset. However, he assured that the issue will be resolved soon. “We plan to meet Pawan and personally apologize,” he stated.
Clarification on Theatre Ownership in Nizam
One major rumor claims that Dil Raju controls most single-screen theatres in the Nizam region. He dismissed this as a myth.
“There are 370 single-screen theatres in Nizam,” he explained. “SVC and my companies manage only 30 of them. The rest are handled by independent owners and their networks.”
Why the Press Meet Was Held
Dil Raju explained why he felt the need to speak out. “We don’t want the real issue to get lost in controversy,” he said. “There are questions that need clear answers.”
He pointed out the financial pressure exhibitors are facing under the current system. In April, distributors and exhibitors from East Godavari raised concerns. They asked for a change in the existing rent and revenue-sharing model.
Issues with the Current Model
“At present, theatres charge rent during the first week if collections are strong,” Dil Raju noted. “From the second week, the model switches to a percentage-based system. This shift is tough on exhibitors.”
He added that they’ve been tracking collections over the last six months. Based on that data, many exhibitors feel a fixed percentage model would be more sustainable.
Lack of Unity Among Producers
Dil Raju stressed that the industry lacks unity. This disunity has forced individual producers to request ticket price hikes on their own.
“We are still discussing possible solutions,” he said. “There’s no final decision yet, but we are committed to resolving the issue together.”
Clarification on Hari Hara Veeramallu Speculation
Dil Raju also addressed rumors surrounding the film Hari Hara Veeramallu. He said, “At the time, the release date for Hari Hara Veeramallu was announced. But it was later postponed due to several reasons. A new date hasn’t been confirmed yet.”
He dismissed the rumors of foul play. “There’s no truth to the claim that the film is being deliberately targeted,” he clarified.
Response to Media Criticism
Dil Raju criticized certain sections of the media for spreading false narratives. “Some are irresponsibly writing about ‘Aa Naluguru’ without knowing the facts,” he said. “These are personal attacks. That’s why we felt the need to clear things up. Please understand the reality before jumping to conclusions.”
