HYDERABAD: Movie theatres did not raise the curtains on Tuesday though the state government had permitted them to screen films immediately by adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.
Theatre managements held a meeting and decided to keep the theatres ready for screening of films from December 4. “Though the state government has permitted flexible ticket rates, exhibitors may not be keen on increasing ticket rates. Our priority is to make it comfortable and safe for the audience to come and watch films in theatres,” M Vijender Reddy of Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce said.
Since producers who are willing to release their movies will require a minimum period of time to create publicity material and publicise their movies, theatre managements are preparing ground for the usual Friday release for December 4.
The government has permitted only 50% of the seating capacity and exhibitors are not sure if the audience would come rushing to the theatres.
Depending on the audience response, exhibitors might increase or decrease the number of shows. Exhibitors and producers are also factoring in the revenue angle if they were to release the films.
There are different types of arrangements between exhibitors and producers or distributors for sharing of profit. According to sources, some exhibitors are even willing to negotiate with producers or distributors to give them an increased share in the revenue – of more than 50% – so that they would be keen to release their movies.
Meanwhile, the Telugu film industry on Tuesday thanked chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for the sops he has announced to keep the film industry running.“The Telugu film industry is rejoicing with the much-needed relief measures announced by Telangana CM KCR garu. These will surely set the ball rolling again in the path of progress,” filmmaker SS Rajamouli tweeted. Production houses Geeta Arts and Asian Cinemas said industry would be benefited by the sops.