Telugu Multiplexes To Take ‘Rules’ Pretty Strictly

In recent times, Multiplexes up north are getting stricter when it comes to the release rules for movies. And national chains are making sure that such rules will be strictly implemented in the South too, as the multiplex culture is growing fast. Looks like the Telugu multiplexes owned by celebs are now being forced to enforce these rules. Here’s an interesting report.

Recently, a Malayalam film that features a young heartthrob heroine was released in Kerala and other states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and worked out well. But then, the makers are trying to release the Telugu version of the movie almost 2 weeks later. However, national chains have a clause that they would release a film in their multiplexes only if the OTT release date is more than 4 weeks from the film’s release date. As the Malayalam film’s OTT release is now just 2 weeks ahead, multiplexes have refused to give screens to the Telugu version now. That’s why the film is releasing in just single screens in Telugu states. Does that ring any bells?

Gone are the days where multiplexes and other exhibitors wouldn’t worry about a film’s OTT release, but now, if the film is hitting the OTTs soon, they are not ready to screen the movie. Even if the movies are coming from top producers, these multiplexes might not give them screens if rules are not followed. That’s for the sake of industry survival is what they say.