Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce president Sunil Narang has voiced concern over the sustainability of single-screen theatres, blaming the infrequent output of top film stars for the crisis. Speaking after being elected as president for a third term, Narang remarked that in a country of over 1.5 billion people, the burden of entertainment rests on just 30–40 heroes.
“Actors are treated like deities. No exhibitor, distributor, or producer dares to speak against them,” Narang stated, adding that no one has the authority to halt a film featuring Pawan Kalyan, describing the actor as “a storm unto himself.”
At a felicitation ceremony attended by industry members and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav, Chamber Secretary Sridhar claimed that two directors and two producers had created unnecessary controversy around the recent theatre bandh. He said their names would be revealed soon and warned of a “return gift.” Sridhar lamented that top stars delivering only one film every two years has severely hurt theatre revenues, particularly single screens.
“Only three films—Sankranti Vastunnam, Mad Square, and Court—have worked this year. We were told to keep theatres vacant for a Pawan Kalyan film, and now it’s postponed. How are we to survive?” he questioned, pointing out that six theatres in Secunderabad recently shut down.
He also criticized the rising remuneration of actors despite poor box office performances. “An actor paid ₹10 lakh is now getting ₹30 lakh. A recent flop’s lead was paid ₹13 crore for his next. If heroes work only once in two years, how can theatres stay open?” Sridhar asked.
He clarified that their group of exhibitors is trying to adapt by running single screens like multiplexes, offering popcorn at ₹80 and soft drinks at ₹30, keeping prices affordable for the average moviegoer. He further confirmed that the Telangana Film Chamber had not issued any official statement regarding a theatre bandh and had not sent any letter to the Telugu Film Chamber.
Narang also clarified that the so-called leaders behind the bandh had no authority over theatre operations. “These theatres belong to their rightful owners. No one can speak about actors’ remuneration. We only want them to make more films. This industry, like any business, runs on demand and supply. Revenue-sharing issues will be resolved soon,” he said.
