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Telugu dubbed version
of Thalapathy Vijay’s Master is not likely to a wide release in Andhra and
Telangana along with Tamil Nadu. In most probability Master might not get
released on Janauary 13th in the two States. Although young producer Mahesh Koneru who
bought it for Rs 8.5 cr is releasing the teaser of much-hyped Tamil film
‘Master’ featuring superstar Vijay on Friday but he will have to face
difficulties in releasing the film in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
simultaneously along with Tamil Nadu. Kerala
distribution rights bought by Actor Prithiviraj too faces problems as theaters have not
opened despite lifting of lockdown. The problem in Kerala is that theater
owners want local bodies to waive off building tax from the period of lockdown
beginning. A positive decision might be taken as the local poll bodies poll
is over, says trade. “No doubt, Vijay can be released in 400-odd
theatres since he is capable of drawing big openings since his earlier movies
like ‘Bigil’ and ‘Sarkar’ garnered more than Rs 13 crore each in TS and AP.
Prompting Mahesh Koneru to bet big on ‘Master, but number of theatres will be
issue this time,” admits Vijayender Reddy, ex-president of Telangana Film
Chamber of Commerce. “There are 450 single screens in Telangana and 800-odd
across Andhra Pradesh but they are not planning to open in near future
without clarity of content on weekly-basis,” says Reddy. With more than 600
single screens held by lessees who are unwilling to open theatres since they
have to pay rent to theatre owners every week, irrespective of collections at
theatres, so just extending the lockdown. “Single screens collect maximum
collections for star heroes and if single screens open in January, then Vijay
movie will be a safe bet, otherwise, Vijay has to be content with lesser number
of screens through multiplexes in Telugu states,” adds Reddy. Meanwhile, Active
Telugu Film Producers Guild, which has the likes of Allu Aravind and Dil Raju
in its ranks, has made a host of demands to the Multiplex giants operating in
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These changes have to be seen in the context of
the Telugu film industry reeling under the impact of the pandemic. As per TFPG,
multiplexes should stop levying VPF charges. The producers will not have to
pay them. Cine trailers should be screened for free in the Telugu States. So
far, maintenance charges have been borne by the producer. This shouldn't be
the case any longer. In a big demand, the
Guild has demanded of the multiplexes to allow the revenue-sharing formula to
be tweaked. It should be 60:40 in the first week in favour of producers and
50:50 in the second week. From the third week, it should be 40:60. Other demands
include-Telugu films should get a priority in terms of slots. Combo tickets
shouldn't be sold any longer. If the local government permits the screening
of extra shows, multiplexes should implement them along with single-screens. The tug-off between
producers and multiplex bosses will further reduce the chances of ‘Master’
getting more theatres. |
Dheeraj
Enterprises has bought the Karnataka distribution rights of the film. Sun TV
has snapped the satellite rights of the film, Sony Music South has bought the
audio rights and the digital rights is with Amazon Prime.
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