Actor-director alleges discrimination against small films, calls for fair theatrical opportunities
Hyderabad, September 28, 2026: Actor, filmmaker and lead actor of O Andala Rakshasi, Shiraz Mehdi, expressed strong concern over the difficulties faced by small-budget films in securing adequate theatrical releases. Speaking at a media conference held at Prasads Labs in Hyderabad, Mehdi alleged that small producers and filmmakers are facing discrimination and financial pressures within the film distribution and exhibition system.
Mehdi said that O Andala Rakshasi was made with the support of several people and experienced technicians and expressed confidence that the film could reach audiences successfully if provided with a proper theatrical release.
According to Mehdi, the team has conducted more than 40 press conferences and over 50 interviews to highlight the challenges surrounding the film’s theatrical release.
Allegations over digital cinema charges
Mehdi alleged that small producers are being burdened with high charges related to censor procedures and the ADCC process. He also alleged that digital cinema service providers Qube and UFO charge approximately ₹10,000–₹12,000 per theatre for certain services, which he claimed could otherwise be provided at significantly lower costs.
He said such expenses place an additional financial burden on small producers who are already struggling to recover their investments.
Criticism of theatre allocation system
Mehdi also raised concerns about theatre allocation and alleged that some leading multiplex and exhibition chains, including INOX, PVR and Asian Films, had initially assured the film team of theatre support but later did not provide the expected number of screens.
He said the team had initiated legal proceedings over the matter and claimed that legal notices had also been issued in connection with the dispute.
Appeal to Telangana Chief Minister
Mehdi appealed to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to examine what he described as exploitative practices affecting small films and take steps to ensure a more supportive environment for independent producers and filmmakers.
He also called for welfare measures, including health insurance and social-security support, for drivers, makeup artists, technicians, junior artists and other workers associated with the Telugu film industry.“I will continue to raise my voice for small films. Even if I have to conduct 100 press conferences or rallies, I will continue the fight until our film gets an opportunity to reach
audiences,” Mehdi said.
Producer Ahmed: “Small producers need support”
Producer Ahmed expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by small producers.
He said producers invest significant amounts of money and effort in making films, but inadequate theatrical opportunities can result in heavy losses.
“Small films and producers deserve proper opportunities. If films are made with hard work and investment but are unable to secure theatres, producers can suffer severe financial losses. The system needs to change so that genuine small films receive a fair opportunity,” Ahmed said.
Jabardasth Parthu calls for opportunities for small films
Actor and comedian Jabardasth Parthu also extended his support to the O Andala Rakshasi team.
He said films made with dedication should be given an opportunity to reach audiences.
“It is unfortunate when a film with good content struggles to get adequate theatres. If the industry is to grow, small films should also receive opportunities to reach audiences,” he said.
Retired ACP Laxman urges industry intervention
Retired ACP Laxman said that several families depend on the film industry for their livelihood and that difficulties faced by a film can have an impact beyond the producers and directors.
He urged the Film Chamber and senior members of the industry to examine the concerns raised by the O Andala Rakshasi team and take the matter to the government and the Cinematography Department for consideration.
Advocate-producer R.V. Reddy shares experience
High Court advocate and producer R.V. Reddy spoke about the challenges faced by newcomers entering the film industry.
Sharing his experience, Reddy alleged that industry representatives had collected money while promising approximately 200 theatres, but the film was eventually released in around 60 theatres, resulting in what he described as a loss of nearly ₹10 crore.
He advised aspiring producers and directors to thoroughly understand the film business, including market conditions, distribution, theatre operations and production costs, before investing.
“New producers and directors should understand how the industry functions before entering it. Making a film is only one part of the journey; distribution and theatrical release are equally important,” Reddy said.
He further alleged that inexperienced producers can face significant financial risks if they enter the industry without adequate knowledge of the market and distribution system.
Support for ‘O Andala Rakshasi’
Shailaja, who attended the media conference, also expressed support for the film team.The event brought together members from the film, legal and security sectors, who voiced concerns over the challenges allegedly faced by O Andala Rakshasi in securing theatres.
The film team said it remains committed to bringing O Andala Rakshasi before audiences and indicated that efforts for a re-release would continue.
Note: The allegations regarding theatre allocation, service charges, industry practices and legal proceedings were made by the speakers at the press conference and have been presented here as allegations. No independent determination of those claims is implied
