Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) Chairman Pratani Ramakrishna Goud has made serious allegations against four influential individuals in the film industry, holding them responsible for the collapse of the theater and distribution systems. Speaking at a press conference held at the TFCC office today, he said that these individuals, driven by selfish motives, have monopolized the industry and are damaging its foundation.
He further accused Dil Raju of misusing his powers as FDC Chairman and stated that Telangana artists and technicians were unfairly treated in the recently held Gaddar Awards.
Key Highlights from Ramakrishna Goud’s Address:
Background in the Industry:
Goud said he entered the industry in 1992 with the film Allari Pellam starring Shivaji Raja. Since then, he has worked as a producer, director, and distributor.
Shift from Percentage System to Rent System:
Until 2002, theaters followed a percentage-based revenue sharing system. Later, industry figures like Suresh Babu introduced the rental model, followed by Allu Aravind, Dil Raju, and Asian Sunil, who eventually took control of a majority of the theaters.
Theater Monopoly Stats:
Out of approximately 1,500 theaters, only 300 are owner-operated, while the remaining 1,200 are leased or maintained by these few powerful individuals. This led to a drastic drop in the number of distributors in Telangana—from 150 to just a handful. The same situation is being observed in Andhra Pradesh.
Support for Pawan Kalyan’s Reforms:
Goud praised Pawan Kalyan for the steps he’s taking to clean up the theater system in Andhra Pradesh and said the TFCC extends its full support to him. He urged the Telangana government to implement similar reforms.
Audience Deterred by High Costs:
He highlighted how high food prices and expensive digital content rentals (₹5 lakhs for releasing a movie in 50 theaters, excluding taxes) are driving common audiences away from theaters and toward OTT platforms.
Call for Government Action:
Goud requested the Telangana government to act under the supervision of the Cinematography Minister to improve the theater system.
Gaddar Awards Controversy:
Goud appreciated the Telangana government for instituting awards in the name of Gaddar but criticized the appointment of Murali Mohan and Jayasudha as jury chairs, questioning why there was no representation from Telangana. He alleged Telangana artists and technicians were ignored.
Dil Raju misused his position to ensure awards were given to his associates.
Awards were given to committee members’ own films, violating basic ethical norms.
Dil Raju also played a role in the recent theater shutdown controversy.
Other Voices of Dissent:
Kiran (TFCC Working President & Actor):
“Awards are meant to encourage emerging talent like us. I’ve acted in 20 Telugu films and two Tamil films, and only my Tamil film received recognition. Despite my work, the Gaddar Awards overlooked promising artists from Telangana. This needs to be reviewed.”
Ramesh Naidu (President, Telangana Directors Union):
“Politics are entering what should be an entertainment industry. While AP talent should be recognized, Telangana’s local artists and technicians have been ignored. Even after bifurcation, the TFCC has not been officially recognized. The government must intervene.”
Amruth Goud (President, Telangana Writers Union):
“Dil Raju treated the Gaddar Awards like his personal awards. Awards went to his films and to those of committee members. He should acknowledge the misuse and reissue the awards, giving priority to local Telangana talent. We strongly oppose the misuse of public funds for biased award distribution.”
“Only Those Four Are Destroying The Theater and Distribution System; Telangana Artists Unjustly Treated in Gaddar Awards” – TFCC Chairman Pratani Ramakrishna Goud
