Theatre Bandh announced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life among films affected

A joint meeting took place on Sunday between the exhibitors' association and several prominent figures from the film industry.

Cinema theatres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are facing the possibility of a shutdown starting June 1 if exhibitors and producers fail to reach a mutual agreement soon, as per recent reports.

According to a Cinema Express report, almost 60 exhibitors met on Sunday for an important meeting with well-known Telugu film producers, such as Dil Raju and Suresh Babu, according to a report from Cinema Express. The main topic of conversation was how to resolve persistent issues with the current rental-based revenue model, which has long been a source of conflict between the two sides.

A joint meeting took place on Sunday between the exhibitors' association and several prominent figures from the film industry.

Exhibitors strongly advocated during the talks for a change to a revenue model based on percentages and suggested a bandh throughout the Telugu states beginning on June 1 if their grievances weren't resolved.

Additionally, they expressed frustration at films that were released on over-the-top (OTT) platforms so soon after their theatrical debuts and urged producers to postpone digital releases in order to maintain viewers' attendance.

According to the report, a number of significant distributors and producers did not attend the meeting, indicating internal disagreements regarding the suggested modifications. Before the June 1 deadline, a formal petition is anticipated to be sent to the Film Chamber for additional consideration.

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The proposed shutdown might affect a number of significant summer releases if an agreement isn't reached in time. During the possible bandh, only multiplexes that are not affiliated with the exhibitors' association are expected to keep showing films.

Upcoming films that are mostly likely going to be affected by the current situation include Mani Ratnam directorial Thug life starring Kamal Haasan, Trishaa, and Simbu, set to release on June 5. The film will be released in the Telugu states in Tamil and a dubbed Telugu version. Pawan Kalyan starrer Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 which was earlier set to hit the theatres on May 30 will now release on June 12.