A last-minute theatre dispute has put the release of Jetlee in a tricky position across Telangana, especially in Hyderabad. The issue revolves around a disagreement between Mythri Movie Makers and major exhibition players like Dil Raju along with Asian Cinemas.
At the core of the conflict is the revenue-sharing model. Asian and SVC have boycotted Jetlee after Mythri refused the “single screen” 60-50-40 percentage sharing proposal. Mythri is reportedly pushing for a hybrid system that combines fixed rent with a percentage share, while the exhibitors are insisting on a percentage-only model. With neither side willing to step back, the standoff has directly affected the film’s screening plans.
As a result, several key theatres and multiplex chains, including premium properties like AMB Cinemas, AAA Cinemas, ART Cinemas, and Sri Venkateswara Creations multiplexes, have not scheduled Jetlee for release across Telangana. Reports suggest that Mythri has managed to secure around 20+ single screens outside its own network, but notably, none of them are in Hyderabad, which is a crucial market for any Telugu film.
This has led to what some are calling an unofficial “boycott” of the film by Asian and Dil Raju affiliated theatres. The situation becomes even more significant considering the scale of these exhibition chains and their influence in the Nizam distribution circuit.
Industry observers point out that this is not the first time such tensions have surfaced. Previous big releases involving Mythri, including Pushpa 2 and Prabhas films like Salaar and Raja Saab, have also faced last-minute theatre allocation issues, raising concerns about recurring friction between producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
For Jetlee, which stars Satya and is directed by Ritesh Rana, the timing could not be more critical. Releasing without a strong presence in key multiplexes in urban centers like Hyderabad could impact its opening and overall box office performance.
If the deadlock continues, it may not just affect this film but could also create ripple effects for upcoming big-budget projects produced and distributed by Mythri Movie Makers, including films like Fauzi and Spirit starring Prabhas again. For now, all eyes are on whether both sides can reach a compromise before the situation escalates further.
