A massive dharna (protest) was organized near the Telugu Film Chamber office under the leadership of the Telangana Film Chamber, opposing the high user charges imposed by digital content providers—Qube, UFO, and PXD—along with the high food prices in cinemas and film piracy. This protest, led by TFCC Chairman Dr. Pratani Ramakrishna Goud, saw participation from producers Lion Sai Venkat, Gururaj, D.S. Reddy, Ravi, actor-hero Sunny, director Siraj, and many other filmmakers and artists.
Speaking on the occasion, TFCC Chairman Dr. Pratani Ramakrishna Goud said: “Due to the irresponsible actions of three producers acting selfishly, the survival of small films in the Telugu film industry has become questionable. Digital content providers like Qube, UFO, and PXD are collecting ₹10,000 per week from Telugu producers. Because of this, producers are forced to bear at least ₹10 lakh in charges for each film release. In multiplexes alone, the producer has to pay ₹15,000 per week.
In neighboring states, these charges are only between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000. Then why must we pay such high rates here? These three producers, who are partners in these digital content companies, are exploiting the Telugu film industry. Even the theatres are under their control.Food items in theatres cost hundreds of rupees and ticket prices are extremely high. This is preventing ordinary audiences from watching small films in theatres. Out of 250 films released each year, 200 are small films. But today, these small films have no chance of survival.
I have produced nearly 50 films and such conditions did not exist earlier. The government must respond and take necessary action. TFCC will continue this fight. We will even protest in front of the houses of those three producers. The steps taken by the Telangana Police to curb piracy are commendable.”
Producer Lion Sai Venkat said: “Digital content providers have turned into a mafia. Some producers here have colluded with them, exploiting small producers. I produced a film titled Jai Ho Ramanuja, and to release it in 400 theatres, I have to pay ₹50 lakh just to these content providers. How can a small producer survive?
For a common man, watching a film in theatres costs ₹2,000–₹3,000 due to increased ticket and food prices. Because of all this, audiences who should be supporting small films are staying away. The government must intervene. Small films must be protected.”
Producer D.S. Reddy said:“For small films to survive, digital charges, food prices in theatres, and ticket prices must be reduced.”
Producer E. Gururaj said: “I once produced a film Mangatayaru Tiffin Center with Mumaith Khan, and distributors paid advance amounts. But recently, even after producing films with crores of rupees, I did not get back even a single rupee. This is the situation for small producers today. They are facing multiple forms of exploitation.
Digital content charges, ticket prices, and food prices must be reduced. Otherwise, the industry will be left with only a handful of big producers. Small producers will vanish, and we may not even see one film release per month. Theatres will end up shutting down. I appreciate my fellow TFCC leaders fighting for these issues.”
Actor–Director Siraj said: “Small films are not getting theatres. OTT and satellite buyers are not taking them. Distributors offer only outside-town theatres where audiences don’t come. The industry survives only if small films survive. Qube and UFO must reduce their rates. Otherwise, these protests will not stop—we will continue them.”
