Cinema exhibitors in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are set to launch an indefinite theater strike starting June 1, 2025, primarily affecting single-screen venues across the Telugu states. The protest demands a shift from the current rental-based revenue model to a percentage-based revenue-sharing system, and it was announced after a joint meeting at the Telugu Film Chamber on May 18, 2025. This move threatens to disrupt major June releases, including Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life and Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
In This Article:
Roots of the Conflict
The strike stems from exhibitors’ frustration with the fixed rental model, which they argue is unsustainable amid rising operational costs and inconsistent box-office performance. Single-screen theaters, facing daily expenses of Rs 10,000–18,000, often earn less than Rs 4,000 daily, especially for smaller films. Over 60 exhibitors, joined by producers like Dil Raju and Suresh Babu, met to demand a tiered revenue-sharing model, similar to Telangana’s past system where exhibitors received 27–50% of collections based on film budgets. The absence of key distributors at the meeting signals industry discord, complicating negotiations.
Impact on Telugu Cinema
The shutdown could cripple the Telugu film industry, already reeling from a lackluster summer 2025 with no major star-led hits. Single-screen theaters, the backbone of Tollywood’s reach, face potential closure, risking delays for high-profile films. Multiplexes, not part of the exhibitors’ association, may continue operations, but the majority of single-screens will likely remain shuttered until demands are met. Fans on X express mixed sentiments, with some supporting exhibitors’ push for fairness, while others fear missing anticipated releases like Thug Life.
Path Forward
Exhibitors propose adopting Telangana’s earlier tiered revenue model, adjusting percentages based on film budgets to balance risks. Suggestions include leveraging digital ticketing for transparent revenue tracking and fostering dialogue through an industry council. Past strikes, like the 2018 protest over Virtual Print Fees, were resolved through negotiations, offering hope for a resolution. However, without swift agreement, the Telugu cinema ecosystem faces significant disruption, affecting producers, distributors, and audiences alike.
-By Manoj H