The tension between the Telangana Exhibitors Association and top producers has officially turned into an all-out war of nerves. During a high-stakes press meet today, May 12, 2026, exhibitors reiterated their “Percentage or Nothing” ultimatum, directly putting the release of Ram Charan’s “Peddi” in jeopardy.
The Core Conflict: 60-50-40 vs. Fixed Rentals
Exhibitors are demanding an immediate shift from the traditional rental-based model to a percentage-sharing system. They are pushing for a 60% share of ticket revenue in week one, 50% in week two, and 40% thereafter. This move is a bid for survival as standalone theaters struggle with declining footfalls and rising daily operational costs .
While industry giants like Dil Raju and the Asian Group have reportedly signaled a willingness to negotiate, Mythri Movie Makers remains the most vocal opponent of the new model. This resistance has already turned ugly
Earlier this month, Mythri’s release Jetlee was essentially banned on its opening day after Telangana exhibitors refused to schedule it over this revenue dispute.
Mythri has formally condemned what they call “unfair tactics,” alleging that certain exhibitors even withheld their films from multiplexes to pressure them on unrelated single-screen terms.
Because Mythri is distributing Peddi, exhibitors have warned that the same unresolved grievances will apply to its June 4 release.
Mythri producer Ravi Shankar has questioned how such sudden decisions can be enforced without industry-wide consensus, warning that the percentage system would severely damage the financial viability of big-budget projects. While a stakeholder meeting was recently held to find a middle ground, the absence of a deal means Peddi could face a dismal screen count in the critical Nizam region.
“WE WANT PERCENTAGE SYSTEM”
A strong statement from Telangana Exhibitors Association.
Big trouble for #Peddi release in Telangana.
Note: No representation from #MythriMovieMakers at the press meet. pic.twitter.com/ITbbSapjMo
— M9 NEWS (@M9News_) May 12, 2026
