Crisis in Tollywood: OTT streaming only 8 weeks after theatrical release, says Dil Raju

Pact signed with MAA on remunerations; slash in ticket prices likely; consensus arrived on wages of workers.

Published Aug 19, 2022 | 2:57 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 19, 2022 | 2:58 PM

The Telugu film producers, distributors and digital platforms have decided to maintain an eight-week window for the OTT streaming of all Telugu movies. (Creative Commons)

The Telugu film producers, distributors, and digital platforms have decided to maintain an eight-week window for the OTT streaming of all Telugu movies.

The Telugu Film Producers’ Council and the Active Telugu Film Producers’ Guild made an announcement to this effect at the Film Chamber of Commerce in Hyderabad on Thursday, 18 August.

Producer Dil Rau made a few major announcements on the ongoing crisis in Tollywood. Here’s the list:

An eight-week gap will be maintained for all the upcoming films that are in the pre-production stage.
Movies that are currently under production and have already signed agreements for digital rights will continue as planned.
Multiplex owners have responded positively to the requests of producers to slash the prices of tickets and that of food and beverages being sold in theatres.
The Film Chamber signed an agreement with the Movie Artists Association on Friday regarding the remuneration of actors, cost of production and related issues.
Talks are still on with single-screen theatre owners about ticket pricing.
A final meeting will be convened with the exhibitors on Friday to discuss the VPF charges.
The Film Federation and the producers arrived at a consensus on the daily wages of workers, but are yet to decide on improving working conditions.
Discussions are underway with directors and other technicians regarding wastage in filmmaking and related problems.
A final announcement on all the pending issues, particularly resuming of film shootings, will be made in the next four-five days.

“Bollywood and the other South Indian film industries are eagerly looking forward to us to know how we’re going to tackle the issues in Tollywood by halting the shoots,” said Dil Raju.

“We’re sure we will arrive at workable solutions,” he added.