To address recent developments in the film industry, prominent producer Allu Aravind held a press conference on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “For the past two days, the media has been talking about ‘those four.’ I have no connection with them. I am not one of them.”
He explained, “The term ‘those four’ originated about fifteen years ago. Later, it expanded to refer to ten individuals. Nobody paid much attention to it back then. Currently, those ten hold a large share of theatres. I ended all business ties with ‘those four’ during the COVID period. I don’t own even a single theatre in Telangana now. I am only associated with AAA Asian Cinemas. In Andhra Pradesh, too, I gave up my theatres long ago. Out of the 1,500 theatres in AP, I hold only 15—and even those won’t be continued after the lease renewals end.”
He continued, “Out of habit, people still use my photo while referring to ‘those four.’ I am being criticised unfairly. I request media friends not to include me in any coverage related to them. I am not part of their business group. I only hold 15 theatres independently.”
Regarding the proposed theatre shutdown on June 1, he said, “I found the response from the Cinematography Minister quite reasonable. I wasn’t involved in any meetings related to the theatre issue — not because I was unwilling, but because I advised the team at Geetha Distribution and others associated with me not to attend.”
He further said, “When theatres face serious problems, the solution lies in holding discussions with senior industry members and resolving the issues amicably. I didn’t attend the meeting because I was unhappy with the unilateral decisions being made. Announcing a theatre shutdown is not the right way forward.”
Commenting on the theatre bandh announcement coinciding with the release of Pawan Kalyan’s film, he said, “It is irresponsible to declare theatre closures during that period. Pawan Kalyan is someone who has always supported the industry wholeheartedly.”
He also recalled, “In the past, during the issue involving Ashwini Dutt’s film, we met Pawan Kalyan. At that time, he suggested we, as representatives of the Film Chamber, meet Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Unfortunately, our people didn’t take that advice seriously.”
Allu Aravind emphasized, “No business can thrive without government support. Avoiding the government is not wise. Should we only approach them when we are in crisis?”
Speaking about the note issued by the Andhra Pradesh minister, he said, “It is entirely justified. Single-screen theatres are facing genuine problems. When such issues arise, we need to have discussions — not make hasty announcements about shutting down theatres.”
