Big Four trampling on small-budget films

Yet again, small filmmakers are at the mercy of T-town bigwigs who hold control over 1000-theatres across TS, AP. “We are running from pillar to post to release our small films” says national award winning director Narasimha Nandi whose film ‘Buddha Reddy Palli Breaking News’ has not got even one theatre in Hyderabad. “Instead of viewers, these four families decide the fate of a film, which is unfortunate and inhuman.

I wasn’t alloted even one theatre in twin cities. After making numerous rounds, I got two theatres out of 500-odd theatres in Telangana State,” he laments. In fact, even makers of other small films like Vasam’, ‘Green Card,’ and ‘Eedem Dhyam’ lost out theatres to star-studded films ‘Nakshatram’ ( a role played by the kin of an industry bigwig) this Friday.

Above all they are unwilling to give theatres which are screening ‘Gautam Nanda’ despite the film drawing poor collections. “Gautam Nanda’ is drawing Rs 2, 000 and 3,000 a day in some theatres, but these Big Four are reluctant to remove it and give our film a chance,” he adds. “KCR govt has assured to introduce 5 shows in all theatres across the state to accommodate creative and small films, but it just remains on paper,” says producer C N Rao who describes this hegemony as an everlasting evil affecting young and refreshing filmmakers.

“Small films are dying a natural death due to these few lessees who are holding fort and crushing small films to death,” adds Rao. Another producer N Padmini urges Chief Minister KCR who is determined to eradicate drugs menace from the State, should show similar resolve to free theatres from the clutches of a few rich individuals.

“These four or five filmi families are getting richer by the day, while hundreds of small producers are disappearing into thin air. KCR should stop this exodus and save the livelihood of small filmmakers,” she concludes.