R Narayana Murthy Speaks on Pawan Kalyan’s Remarks and Other Industry Issues
Senior actor and producer R Narayana Murthy has made key comments on recent developments in the Telugu film industry. He expressed support for the statement made by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who had said that “film industry leaders should meet with the government.” R Narayana Murthy stated, “There is nothing wrong in Pawan Kalyan saying that film industry leaders should meet the government.” However, he added that had Pawan Kalyan invited discussions solely on industry issues without referencing his own film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, it would have increased respect for him.
He condemned the narrative that theaters would be shut down from June 1 in support of Hari Hara Veera Mallu, calling it completely false. He also expressed pride in the announcement of the Gaddar Awards and congratulated the recipients. Furthermore, he urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to also announce the Nandi Awards.
Speaking on the controversy over percentage-based revenue sharing in the film industry, R Narayana Murthy strongly voiced his concerns. “I am one of those who support the percentage system. We protested by setting up a tent in front of the Chamber. Despite appealing to many Chamber Presidents, the issue remains unresolved,” he said. He emphasized that fixing a percentage system would greatly benefit small producers like himself. He also cautioned against linking the percentage issue to the film Hari Hara Veera Mallu when it was on the verge of resolution.
Describing the cinema bandh as a “Brahmastra” (ultimate weapon), he reflected on the uncertain survival of single-screen theaters, which he said are being sidelined by corporate systems. “What should happen to single-screen theaters? They are like temples. Today, they are turning into wedding halls. We must revive the percentage system to save producers,” he urged. He also expressed concern that the rising popularity of OTT platforms could destroy the cinema industry.
Regarding the hike in cinema ticket prices, R Narayana Murthy noted that both audiences and the film industry are suffering. “Entertainment has become expensive. While high-budget filmmaking is acceptable, that cost should not be passed on to the public,” he advised. He pointed out that even though Hollywood makes films with budgets of hundreds of crores, and India has made masterpieces like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam, ticket prices were not raised for those films. “It took five years to make Lava Kusa in Telugu, but no one asked for a hike in ticket prices. If a film is good, people will come. Due to increased prices, even fans are unable to watch their favorite heroes’ films,” he stated. He urged industry leaders to not neglect these issues and suggested they meet with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to find resolutions.