The ongoing dispute between Tollywood producers and exhibitors has now turned far more personal and aggressive than before. What started as a debate over percentage-sharing systems and theatre economics has suddenly transformed into a public verbal war, with today’s active producers’ press meet becoming the latest flashpoint.
The event quickly grabbed attention because of repeated attacks on a prominent exhibitor repeatedly referred to as “Seth Ji” by the producers.
Producer Naga Vamsi made some of the sharpest comments during the interaction. Referring to the exhibitor’s emotional statements about the condition of single-screen theatres, Vamsi sarcastically remarked that it looked “funny” to see someone who owns the biggest multiplexes all over the state speaking as if he alone cared about the survival of single screens.
The discussion became even more heated when Ravi Shankar from Mythri Movie Makers joined the trolling with an even more direct sarcastic comment.
“That Seth Ji who is building multiplexes everywhere is now suddenly talking about saving single-screen theatres. That itself is the biggest joke,” Ravi Shankar said during the press meet.
Even though none of the producers directly named the exhibitor, almost everyone within industry circles believes the target was obvious. Trade discussions and social media conversations strongly suggest the comments were aimed at a highly influential exhibitor and multiplex operator referred to as Seth Ji, who holds major control in Telugu theatrical distribution and exhibition.
With these public remarks, the conflict has evolved into a much larger “Producers vs Seth Ji” battle.
Many within the industry believe the targeted Seth Ji is unlikely to remain silent for long. Trade analysts already expect some kind of counter-response or retaliation soon.
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