M9 News journalist Nishant spoke with senior exhibitor and Telangana Film Chamber General Secretary VL Sridhar about the worsening condition of single screen theatres. He explained why 2025 turned into a disastrous year for exhibitors and the wider film industry.
VL Sridhar holds ground lease rights for six theatres, including BR Hitech in Madhapur and Sridevi Theater in Chilkalguda. During the conversation, he read out a list of nearly 15 theatres that have shut down in Hyderabad over the last few years.
He said only small films managed to run this year, while big star films wrapped up within a week. In the past year, rent recovery happened for just seven or eight films. Since COVID, closing theatres has become routine rather than emotional.
Explaining the economics, he cited BR Hitech as an example. Despite being on prime real estate, the owner earns under Rs. 10 lakh per month. If converted into a hostel or hospital, earnings could reach Rs. 30 to 40 lakh, yet the theatre runs due to prestige, even as the next generation wants to demolish it.
The discussion also touched on several sensitive issues. These included exhibitors not receiving refunds after flops, ticket buying for Book My Show trends, ticket price hikes, and whether Rajasaab will get theatres in Nizam. He also stated that Pawan Kalyan is the only hero he has heard of who helps exhibitors after a flop.
