Dil Raju Denies Theatre Shutdown Plans, Defends Pawan Kalyan's Film Release
In response to recent reports suggesting that theatres across the Telugu states may shut down from June 1, renowned film producer Dil Raju held a press conference today to clarify the situation. These developments come in the wake of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s sharp reaction and the special focus placed on the issue by Andhra Pradesh Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh. Yesterday, veteran producer Allu Aravind also addressed the media on the same issue.
Dil Raju dismissed the reports of a theatre shutdown as mere false propaganda. “No one has the guts or courage to stop Pawan Kalyan’s films,” said Dil Raju, emphasizing that the controversy surrounding exhibitors had been misrepresented as a targeted campaign against Pawan Kalyan’s movie.
Although his name was not directly mentioned, Dil Raju stated that there is a widespread perception that discussions are indirectly referring to him. He asserted that no one would entertain the thought of halting a Pawan Kalyan film and reiterated that a theatre shutdown is not going to happen. Reflecting on his three-decade career, he said, “In my 30 years of service, I’ve never seen theatres shut down. At times, we have halted film shoots to resolve certain issues, but we have never gone to the extent of closing theatres.”
He alleged that the entire episode has been misconstrued as an attempt to obstruct Pawan Kalyan’s film and that such a perception has even reached the government. Dil Raju further claimed, “There are vested interests behind this—either out of devotion or fear, they have fed the government misleading information.”
Dil Raju also revealed that he had a conversation with Andhra Pradesh Minister Durgesh, during which he confirmed that theatres would not be closed. He said that a recent joint meeting of the film industry provided clarity on the issue, but some individuals had already misinformed the government, sparking this controversy.
Citing the upcoming releases—Bhairava on May 30, a Kamal Haasan film on June 5, a Pawan Kalyan film on June 12, and Kubera on June 20—he questioned the logic behind a theatre shutdown at such a time. “Why would anyone shut down theatres in these circumstances? It would only hurt the exhibitors,” he remarked.
He noted that exhibitors had submitted a letter to the Film Chamber requesting a shift to a percentage-based revenue system for screenings. However, Dil Raju mentioned that many in the industry were hesitant to speak openly due to fears of potential consequences. He said some individuals believed a percentage-based model would be beneficial, although exhibitors had raised certain concerns regarding the system.
He further disclosed that some exhibitors and distributors had gathered in East Godavari district and were asked about their revenue over the past six months. Dil Raju concluded by stating that there is nothing wrong in asking what the exhibitors truly want.