CityLightBuzz: Hyderabad: Actor and filmmaker Sheraz Mehdi has strongly alleged that new directors, producers and small-budget films in the Telugu film industry are not getting enough freedom and opportunities to grow. He said small films are facing several challenges ranging from theatre allocation to OTT, audio, satellite and other-language rights, and called upon industry seniors and star heroes to respond to these issues.Speaking to the media at a press meet held at the Somajiguda Press Club in Hyderabad on the occasion of the re-release of his film ‘O Andala Rakshasi’, Sheraz Mehdi made several strong comments about the challenges faced by newcomers in the Telugu film industry.
Newcomers Facing Multiple Obstacles
Sheraz Mehdi alleged that the situation in the industry has reached a stage where it appears that newcomers are being discouraged from entering the film business.
He said new directors and producers invest significant effort and money to complete their films, but subsequently face additional burdens in areas such as censorship, Qube services and publicity. Even after completing these formalities, they allegedly face difficulties in securing theatres for release.
According to Mehdi, increasing political influence and dominance within the industry are affecting small films. He said it was unfortunate that opportunities for small producers were declining at a time when the Telugu film industry’s market is expanding globally.
He also alleged that high charges are being imposed for technical services such as Qube and said that he had already brought these issues to the attention of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Serious Allegations Over Theatre Allocation
One of the major concerns raised by Sheraz Mehdi was the allocation of theatres to small films.
He claimed that his film was initially promised around 20 theatres, but ultimately received only five theatres, forcing the team to consider cancelling the release at one stage. He questioned how a small film could reach audiences without being provided with an adequate number of screens.
Sheraz Mehdi further stated that legal notices had been issued to Sunil of Asian Cinemas as well as the managements of PVR and INOX, alleging unfair treatment in theatre allocation for small films. Criticism of the Film Chamber
Mehdi also criticised the functioning of the Telugu Film Chamber and alleged that there was increasing arrogance within the industry’s leadership.
He said industry members are aware of the problems faced by small filmmakers, but alleged that those working within the system do not have sufficient freedom to take independent decisions.He appealed to senior members of the film industry to protect the interests of newcomers and ensure that industry institutions do not become controlled by a few individuals.
“I Will Continue My Fight”
Sheraz Mehdi made it clear that he would not withdraw from his campaign for the rights of small filmmakers.
He said he was prepared to pursue the matter through legal channels and would continue raising the issues repeatedly until meaningful solutions were found.
He also warned that problems currently faced by small films could eventually affect larger productions if they are not addressed at an early stage.
“The problems faced by small films today could become problems for big films tomorrow. Therefore, the issues should be resolved while they are still small,” he said.
“This Is Not Just My Fight”
Sheraz Mehdi said that hundreds of people were already supporting his efforts and expressed confidence that the support would grow into thousands in the future.
He stated that he was not afraid of anyone and was ready to take the legal route if necessary.“I will not stop my fight until justice is done for new producers, directors and small films,” he said.‘O Andala Rakshasi’ Set for Grand Re-Release
Speaking about ‘O Andala Rakshasi’, which he directed and acted in, Sheraz Mehdi said the film has strong content and was designed to keep audiences engaged throughout. He revealed that after overcoming the theatre-related challenges faced earlier, the team is now working towards a grand re-release with an improved number of theatres and arrangements for OTT, audio and other rights.He emphasised that the size of a film should not determine its opportunities.“It is not about whether a film is small or big. Content should be given an opportunity. A new director or producer should have the freedom to prove their talent. That is the real strength of the film industry,” Sheraz Mehdi said.
