Actor Rana Daggubati believes that the theatre business in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remains robust, especially when compared to the declining scene in northern India. He attributes this resilience to the diversity and quality of content that Telugu cinema consistently offers.
Speaking from over 15 years of experience in the film industry, the Baahubali star emphasized that Telugu cinema has made remarkable strides — from delivering pan-India blockbusters to producing impactful small-budget films. According to him, the cost of watching a movie in Telugu states is still affordable, unlike in cities like Mumbai or Delhi, making cinema-going a more accessible experience for the masses.
Rana also addressed the global shift in entertainment consumption. “Theatres are witnessing a decline in many parts of the world. Compared to seven years ago, the number of screens has drastically reduced. Today, audiences have an abundance of viewing options, including OTT platforms, YouTube, and various streaming apps,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, cities like Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, along with many smaller towns, continue to support theatrical releases. He noted that single screens are still profitable in these areas, especially for films with strong mass appeal. With around 2,500 active screens, the theatre ecosystem in the Telugu states is culturally deep-rooted and commercially viable.
In contrast, Rana pointed out that the theatre business in North India appears to be struggling. Despite a larger population, the decline of single screens and an overreliance on multiplexes have led to reduced footfalls. In many northern pockets, OTT has become the dominant form of content consumption.
Rana concluded by expressing confidence in the future of cinema. “Cinema will always find its rhythm,” he said, citing the recent success of Court, a small-budget courtroom drama starring Priyadarshi, which struck a chord with audiences purely through its strong storytelling and relatable themes.
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