As we reported earlier, there has been an ongoing dispute between the North America distributor Prathyangira Cinemas and the Canadian theater chain York Cinemas. Recently, York accused Prathyangira of requesting inflated sales figures for their movies. Now, Prathyangira Cinemas has issued a strong response, challenging York to release any proof.
Prathyangira also made it clear that they will continue distributing their films without York. They strictly warned the York group that if any untoward incidents occur during OG or any of their future releases, strict legal action will be taken.
With both sides’ versions now public, it remains to be seen how the dispute will unfold in the future. One thing to note is that while York Cinemas directly took names, Prathyangira avoided calling shots directly, though their stance is clear. Check the press release below.
TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN
Everyone in the South Asian film industry and movie-going public in North America is familiar with the individuals responsible for the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the screenings of Theri, SyeRaa Narasimha Reddy, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, Bheemla Nayak, and several other movies over the past decade. Screens were torn, and in some cases, set on fire during the screening of the films whenever North America’s distributors of South Indian films refused to collaborate with YOU. It is laughable, to say the least, when YOU claim to practise ethical business, whereas your entire South Indian film distribution model over the last decade has been built on unethical practices, creating unrest and panic among those in the distribution circle and moviegoers.
YOU made allegations that we at ‘Prathyangira Cinemas’ requested you to inflate sales of our titles in Canada. We challenge you to release the proof for the same if you have any, instead of just alleging. You also mentioned that we and the various cultural and political forces associated with us are a potential risk to public safety. We again dare YOU to disclose the details about those forces. YOU mentioned that you aren’t going to associate with us anymore. We would like to reiterate that the ‘feeling is mutual’. Prathyangira Cinemas is a company that is driven by passion, values and ethics. We don’t like to be associated with people like you who use unethical practices to run a business.
We are very well aware of the reasons behind your outburst and we have all the proof to counter your allegations. We have a team now in Canada (lead by Sumanth Sunkara). We will continue exhibiting movies in Canada without associating with YOU and we will do everything in our capacity to provide a first-rate movie-watching experience to the fans and moviegoers in Canada in the coming days. Finally, if YOU commit any untoward incidents, as you did in the past, during the showcasing of ‘OG’ or during any of our future titles showcasing, we would take strict legal actions against you and hold you accountable for your unethical practices.
Thanks & Regards,
Prathyangira Cinemas
