Latest news with #FilmFederationofIndia
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Single screens rebel as revenue model puts Telugu cinema on edge
The Telugu film industry may have avoided a strike by single-screen theatres this month across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but the issue is far from resolved. Single-screen cinemas are pushing for a shift from the minimum guarantee (MG) or rental-based model to a percentage-sharing arrangement, like the one enjoyed by multiplexes. Currently, single screens not only have to pay MGs to play films but also take home a meagre 10% of the box office, while multiplexes retain around 50%, with the larger chunk still going to distributors. This issue is especially crucial in the south, where single-screen theatres continue to operate in large numbers—unlike in the northern states—and drive substantial box office earnings. According to media consulting firm Ormax, Telugu films grossed ₹2,348 crore in 2024, contributing 20% of India's total box office. Trade experts estimate that over 80% of this revenue in the south comes from single-screen cinemas. Also read: Independent producers, boutique studios veer towards regional cinema for big gains 'There is no way single screen cinemas can survive if this continues. It is an unfortunate situation where distributors are acting very high handed and demand the commitment of MGs from single screens only who eventually earn 10-15% of what the film makes in their cinema, while multiplexes take home 50%," said Yusuf Shaikh, business head of feature films at Percept Pictures. Shaikh, who is also a committee member of the Film Federation of India, added that strong associations back single-screen operators in the south and the issue will likely be raised in other states like Maharashtra. Also read: The rise of Hollywood-style cinematic universes in southern films Cinemas under threat A single-screen theatre owner, who did not wish to be named, said, 'The loss is the producers' whose films may not release wide if theatres don't agree, but they don't seem to realise this." The owner warned that many small cinemas are shutting down, and the trend could accelerate. 'This is a time when India needs more second tier cinemas, which can operate at low costs in smaller markets. That is the only way for screen penetration to improve. This should force the industry to rethink else it is easy for owners to switch to other businesses or exit," the person added. Despite lower ticket rates, single-screen cinemas often match multiplex earnings due to higher footfalls. For instance, a major release that earns ₹60-65 lakh in a theatre might result in multiplexes earning ₹30 lakh, while the single screen takes home only ₹10 lakh. 'Such terms are outdated and leave nothing for the exhibitor. This is as good as asking the single screen to shut shop," said independent exhibitor Vishek Chauhan. Also read: Back to basics: PVR Inox to tap into underserved regions of India with low-cost cinemas for growth
Mint
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Laapataa Ladies: Bihar-based Instagram influencer recreating scenes; Nitanshi Goel reacts
Bihar-based Instagram influencer Ankit Jha has gone viral for recreating popular scenes from Kiran Rao's film Laapataa Ladies. Shared on his Instagram page @pixel_wale_jhaji, his video has received over 1 lakh views and lots of praise online. The video also features Aditi Prakash while it was apparently shot by Divyansh Swaraj. The video recreates the iconic dialogue 'English bol ke dikhaiye (Should I speak in English?)'. It instantly caught fans' attention. The content creator carefully matched the film's expressions, outfits and settings. The recreation showed a strong dedication to detail. What makes his efforts more interesting is that the video was noticed by Laapataa Ladies actress Nitanshi Goel. The 17-year-old, who earlier became the youngest to win Best Actress at the IIFA Awards 2025 for her role as Phool Kumari, reacted with a cherry blossom flower emoji in the comments. The emoji is typically used to express love. 'Humara kaam aap tak pahuch gaya (Our work has reached you),' wrote Ankit. 'Phool ne Phool bheja hai guyzzz …Aapka bahut bahut dhanywaad,' commented another. Another user reacted, 'Your comment is more important for our team for increasing courage.' 'Dear team, I want to take a moment to say—truly outstanding work! You've done an amazing job,' remarked another user. Another wrote, 'A very big congratulations to the entire team to pull off this kind of content with limited sources.' 'This felt like something straight out of a proper indie film. Loved how natural and honest it all looked. You've really made something special here,' came from another. Another Instagram user appreciated the work, 'On point. Every take, acting, makeup doesn't look like recreate. So perfectly done.' Laapataa Ladies was India's official entry for the Oscar 2025. The Film Federation of India (FFI) chose the movie produced by Aamir Khan among a list of 29 films. Other movies in the consideration included Payal Kapadia's widely-acclaimed movie, All We Imagine As Light. Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, was also among the shortlisted movies. At the 97th Academy Awards, Laapataa Ladies did not make the final shortlist of 15 films. In March, Nitanshi Goel dedicated her IIFA award to her mother. "I dedicate this to my mom, to everyone who loved Phool, to those who accepted me--Nitanshi and Phool. A special thanks to Kiran (Rao) ma'am, Aamir (Khan) sir, and the entire team of Laapataa Ladies. And, of course, the universe for making this happen," she said in her speech.
