Tollywood in crisis as producers fight

Hyderabad, Dec. 14: The row between low-budget filmmakers and big producers like Mr Allu Arvind, Mr Suresh Babu, Mr Dasari Narayana Rao, and Mr Dil Raju is pushing Tollywood into a deep crisis. The low-budget film makers are alleging that monopoly of the four influential producers over 700 of the 2,000 theatres in the state is ruining the industry.

The low-budget filmmakers like Mr Vijaychander, Mr R. Narayana Murthy and Mr Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, alleged that the Big Four had introduced the rental system in place of the percentage system after taking the theatres on lease.

Under the rental system, the producers have to pay a monthly rent of Rs 2 lakh as against the percentage system.

Earlier, the monthly rent was betwen Rs 35,000 and Rs 50,000 a month on average. This hike has dealt a big blow to low-budget filmmakers. The Producers’ Council has demanded implementing the percentage system, which ensures reasonable returns to low-budget film producers. They alleged that the lobby of major producers was not allowing screening of films of others by increasing the rents.

"There is no guarantee that we will get even 10 per cent of the total investment made on a film. We request representatives of the Film Chamber of Commerce and others to introduce percentage system," said Mr Vijay Chander. "Otherwise we have to stop making films completely." He was participating in an agitation. along with the other low-budget producers on Sunday.

The influential producers are tight-lipped over the controversy. According to sources, they argued that small-time producers can exhibit films in theatres which are not under the lease system. The low budget producers said these theatres are dilapidated.

The Movie Artistes’ Association has extended support to Producers’ Council. "The percentage system is good for the industry," said Mr Murali Mohan, president of MAA. "So, we decided to support the small time producers." "We hope that the problem would be resolved," said Mr M. Vijeyender Reddy, secretary of the AP Film Chamber of Commerce.