UV creations on a warpath with industry bigwigs?

A few year-old banner UV Creations, backed by superstar Prabhas, is reportedly on a warpath with T-town producers, exhibitors and distributors. The banner which rose to limelight with new-age films like ‘Mirchi’ to ‘Run Raja Run,’ and ‘Express Raja’ to ‘Jil’. Also behind soon-to-be-released ‘Bhagmati’ and biggest film of their banner Rs 150 cr ‘Sahoo’ to carve a niche in T-town.

“Unfortunately, it is true that UV Creations is looking to release their big ticket dubbed film ‘GANG’ featuring Tamil star Surya for Sankranthi festival in January next, against the ruling of Telugu Film Chamber Commerce which is avoidable,” says producer Mohammed Naiyimuddin.

It may be recalled that the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has resolved to keep dubbed movies away from the festival race from 2018. The 44-member strong Executive Committee has unanimously passed a resolution for the same a few weeks ago.

“’We felt that all the members of the apex body would abide by the decision since it was meant for the welfare of hundreds of Telugu producers who are losing out their theatres and revenues to other language stars. We will not allow dubbed movies only for two festivals-Sankranthi and Dussera, while it is open during all other festivals and holidays and rest of 360-odd days in a year,” adds Naiyumuddin.

Elaborating further on the likely confrontation to emerge between the apex body and UV Creations, which has tacit support of few other lineage stars. ‘They are setting a wrong precedent by going against the majority of filmmakers. Bigwigs are trying to negotiate and push it to March,”says distributor Ramakrishna who feels that release will be mostly fractured.

“Even if they take a big chance, they can’t release in 80-odd multiplex theatres in various cities in the two Telugu states. Besides could be missing more than 800-odd theatres owned by other bigwigs, so it’s better to avoid confrontation,’’ he concludes.