Theatre owners call off strike in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In a good news to the film lovers in the Telugu states, it has been reported that owners of the theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have called off their strike with immediate effect. It has been learned that filmmakers held discussions with digital service providers and it seems like the parties succeeded in reaching a consensus. “Some theatres may start screenings immediately, some may open from Friday,” former president of Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce M Vijender Reddy was quoted as saying by TOI.

Reportedly, while the filmmakers had demanded a reduction of 25% of the charges, the digital services providers have accepted to cut down the charges by 20%. However, it remains to see if the film fraternities of other South Indian states strike a deal with the current conditions or will adopt another course of action.

The issue came to light with the filmmakers alleging that the money being charged by the DSPs was too high and was proving to be a burden on the producers. However, on the other hand, the members of the digital distribution companies claimed that the prices being charged were justifiable. Reportedly, the producers had also claimed that the implementation of GST (Goods and Service Tax) affected the collections and a reduction in the processing fee by the digital service providers, would reduce the burden on them.

Theaters in the South Indian states remained shut from March 2nd as the talks between the two parties reaped no results earlier.