Despite recent blockbusters, the Telugu film industry faces challenges as single-screen theatres across Telangana shut down temporarily due to low footfall and financial losses.
The Telugu film industry, often celebrated for its blockbuster hits and grand success parties, is currently grappling with significant challenges that go beyond the glitz and glamour. Recent reports highlight a troubling trend: nearly 450 single-screen theatres across Telangana have decided to shut down for 10 to 15 days due to financial losses exacerbated by low footfall. This move has raised serious concerns about the industry’s health and sustainability.
Financial Strain on Single-Screen Theatres
Vijayender Reddy, president of the Telangana Film Exhibitors Association, has been vocal about the dire situation. In his statement to the media, Reddy explained that the operational expenses for single-screen theatres in smaller towns range between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 per day, while those in cities like Hyderabad incur costs between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000 daily. Unfortunately, with the current audience turnout, revenue has plummeted to below ₹4,000 per day. “A theatre is likely to incur a loss of about ₹4,000 per day if it remains closed, but stands to lose ₹6,000 if a film is screened,” Reddy elaborated, underscoring the financial strain on theatre owners.
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Summer Slump and Delayed Releases
The summer of 2024, typically a lucrative season for Telugu cinema with a slew of high-profile releases, has been particularly disappointing. While blockbuster films like “Salaar” and “Hanu-man” managed to draw crowds, the overall footfall has been dismal. Notably, “Tillu Square” is one of the few successes, but small and medium-budget films such as “Prathinidhi 2” and “Aarambham” have failed to make a significant impact. Adding to the woes, the highly anticipated “Kalki 2898 AD” has postponed its release to avoid clashing with the election season, further affecting the box office earnings.
Upcoming Releases and Current Struggles
Despite the challenging times, the Telugu film industry is gearing up for some notable releases. “Krishnamma,” which released on May 10, managed to draw some moviegoers in the opening week, while “Raju Yadav,” starring Getup Srinu, is set to release on May 17. On the same day, “Baahubali: Crown of Blood,” an animation series, will begin streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Additionally, medium-budget films like “Gangs of Godavari” starring Vishwak Sen and “Satyabhama” starring Kajal Aggarwal are scheduled to arrive in theatres on May 31. Despite these releases, theatre owners are hesitant to screen films without upfront payments from producers to cover minimum guarantees.
This situation has prompted single-screen theatre owners to call for immediate support. Reddy noted that they are willing to screen films if producers provide upfront payments to cover minimum guarantees. However, such arrangements are rare, leaving many theatres with no choice but to halt operations temporarily. The Telugu film industry’s predicament is reminiscent of the challenges faced by Bollywood, which has also experienced a significant slump post-pandemic.
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The glamorous success parties and celebratory events organized by filmmakers and studios often create an illusion of prosperity. However, the stark reality is that many single-screen theatres, which are crucial for regional cinema, are struggling to survive. These theatres play a vital role in reaching audiences in smaller towns and rural areas, and their shutdown exposes the industry’s vulnerable underbelly.
Reports Highlight the Crisis
Reports from prominent sources like The Hindu and Economic Times have shed light on this crisis. According to The Hindu, the falling footfall has prompted single-screen theatres across Telangana to shut down temporarily. The Economic Times echoed this sentiment, highlighting the financial challenges faced by theatre owners and the lack of major film releases until mid-June.
The current situation calls for a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the industry. Filmmakers, producers, and the government must collaborate to support single-screen theatres and ensure the sustainability of the Telugu film industry. Addressing these challenges is crucial not only for the theatres but also for preserving the cultural and economic fabric of regional cinema.
