Dil Raju denies monopoly in theaters’ ownership, says SVCC only has 30 theaters in Nizam region

Hyderabad: Amid ongoing debates within the Telugu film industry, renowned producer Dil Raju clarified that out of the 370 single-screen theaters in the Nizam region, only 30 are owned by Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVCC), established by Dil Raju, and its affiliates.

His remarks come in response to allegations suggesting a monopoly over theatrical distribution by a few major players. Dil Raju, who is also chairman of Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC) addressed the media on Monday to clarify misconceptions surrounding theater ownership and revenue-sharing models.

‘250 theaters are independently owned’

Speaking to the media persons, Dil Raju said, “There’s a misconception that a few of us control the majority of theaters. That’s simply not true. Asian and Suresh Productions together own around 90 theaters, while nearly 250 are independently owned and operated.”

Dil Raju also shed light on the revenue-sharing challenges currently troubling exhibitors.

He explained that a hybrid model—involving fixed rent in the opening week and a percentage share in the following weeks—is creating financial strain, particularly when collections drop after the first weekend.

“In April, some exhibitors and distributors from East Godavari approached us with concerns,” he revealed. “They suggested a percentage-based system would be more sustainable. We’re discussing the issue, but a consensus hasn’t been reached yet.”

‘Media unjustly targeting four individuals’

Addressing rumours and criticism in the media, Dil Raju condemned what he described as baseless personal attacks. “Certain media outlets are irresponsibly targeting ‘four individuals’ without facts. We’re simply trying to resolve industry issues—not dominate it,” he asserted.

He also referenced the delay in the release of Pawan Kalyan starrer Hari Hara Veera Mallu, noting that while a release date was initially announced, unforeseen circumstances led to its postponement, and a new date has yet to be confirmed.

Dil Raju concluded by urging for informed dialogue and transparency in addressing the industry’s structural and financial challenges.

Why is Andhra deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan condemning Tollywood’s theatre strike threat as a ‘return gift’ to the government

On May 24, Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Tollywood actor Pawan Kalyan took a strong stance against a section of the Telugu film industry, criticising what he described as a ‘return gift’ from certain individuals who threatened a theatre shutdown ahead of the release of his long-delayed film Hari Hara Veera Mallu.

According to a statement issued by deputy chief minister’s office, Pawan Kalyan expressed disappointment over the industry’s lack of engagement with the current Andhra Pradesh government.

“It’s been more than a year since the NDA government came to power, yet not a single representative from Tollywood has met chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.

The Jana Sena chief drew a sharp comparison with the previous administration, highlighting how the industry had suffered under the former regime. He stressed that the current government is taking a different approach, focusing on the growth and welfare of the entire film industry rather than catering to the interests of a few individuals.

Pawan Kalyan also made it clear that the government will no longer entertain discussions with individual producers or personalities. “From now on, we will only interact with official representatives of film associations,” he asserted.

His comments come amid heightened tensions between the industry and the State, particularly over theater allocations, revenue-sharing models, and allegations of monopolistic control by a handful of industry stakeholders. The deputy CM’s remarks signal a push for structured dialogue and institutional accountability within Tollywood.

Allu Aravind denies link to ‘Aa Naluguru’, criticises theatre strike timing

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed theatre strike and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s explosive open letter to Tollywood producers, senior film producer Allu Aravind held a press conference on Sunday to set the record straight on several key issues—including his alleged role in the so-called ‘Aa Naluguru’ group said to control film distribution and exhibition in the Telugu States.

Addressing growing speculation, Aravind firmly denied any involvement in the alleged group, saying, “I am not part of ‘Aa Naluguru’. This term has been floating around for over 15 years, but I have nothing to do with it.” He further clarified that he does not own any theatres in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, except for a share in the AAA multiplex in Hyderabad.

He added that while he has leased about 15 theatres in Andhra Pradesh, he has no plans to renew those agreements. “I’ve taken them purely on lease, and I am gradually exiting that space,” he said.

‘Theater shutdown threat irresponsible’

Taking a strong stance against the timing of the theater shutdown threat, which coincided with the expected release of Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu. Aravind called the move ‘irresponsible’ and damaging to the industry’s image.

He also acknowledged a failure on the part of Tollywood representatives to engage with the Andhra Pradesh government. “Not meeting AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu after the NDA came to power was a mistake,” he admitted.