R. Narayanamurthy Supports Percentage System, Urges Unity in Film Industry

R. Narayanamurthy Supports Percentage System, Urges Unity in Film Industry

Veteran actor and filmmaker R. Narayanamurthy recently spoke at a press meet in Hyderabad’s Prasad Labs, where he shared his views on the current issues in the Telugu film industry. He mainly focused on the percentage-based revenue system in theatres, the shutdown of theatres, and the controversy around the film Hari Hara Veera Mallu.

Narayanamurthy said that the percentage system, where producers and theatre owners share profits based on ticket sales, is very important for small and medium-budget producers. He believes this system can help revive single-screen theatres, which are disappearing fast due to the rise of expensive multiplexes.

He reminded everyone that this issue has been discussed for over 25 years, but nothing has changed. “If the Producers Council and Chamber couldn’t solve this in so many years, then only the government can make it happen now,” he said.

Recently, some groups announced that theatres would shut down from June 1 because they didn’t give a percentage share to the movie Hari Hara Veera Mallu. Narayanamurthy felt this was unfair and misleading. He said the shutdown was not officially announced by any industry body like the Producers Council or the Film Chamber.

Narayanamurthy also addressed Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He said, “We are proud of Pawan Kalyan’s success in politics, but linking the percentage issue with Hari Hara Veera Mallu is not right.” He added that Pawan Kalyan should invite industry leaders to discuss the problems and not involve his movie in this issue.

He also said that when the government gives an appointment, film industry leaders should go and talk to them, instead of staying silent.

Narayanamurthy warned against increasing ticket prices too much. He said that today, people are spending ₹1000–₹1500 to watch a movie with their families, which is too expensive for common people.

He gave examples of great films like Lava Kusha, Sholay, and Ben-Hur that were made on large budgets but still had regular ticket prices. “If you keep saying you spent hundreds of crores and took 5 years to make a movie, why would the audience care if they can’t afford to watch it?” he asked.

Narayanamurthy ended by saying that cinema is for the common man, and it should remain that way. He called theatres temples of entertainment and said they should not be closed. He urged the government, especially Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, to help implement the percentage system and protect the future of Telugu cinema.

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