Ram Charan's Peddi Faces Industry Dispute Ahead of Release
Upcoming Release and Industry Tensions
Ram Charan's eagerly awaited film, Peddi, is scheduled to hit theaters on June 4, 2026. However, just days before its debut, the film has become embroiled in a significant conflict within the industry. Theatre owners in Telangana, referred to as exhibitors, are advocating for a substantial change in the revenue-sharing model with film producers. With no resolution in sight, the iconic actor Chiranjeevi has stepped in as a mediator, convening meetings with both exhibitors and producers at his residence in Jubilee Hills on May 25 to address the ongoing standoff.
Understanding the Percentage System
What Is The Percentage System?
Currently, many theatres in Telangana function under a rental model, where owners pay a predetermined fee to screen films, irrespective of ticket sales. This means that even if a film becomes a massive hit, the theatre owner receives the same fixed payment. Exhibitors argue that this model is outdated, especially as operational costs such as electricity, maintenance, and salaries continue to rise. They believe they are not receiving a fair share of the profits.
In contrast, the percentage system proposes that theatre owners receive a portion of the actual ticket sales instead of a fixed rental fee. Exhibitors contend that this approach is more equitable and sustainable for single-screen theatres in the long term.
This percentage-sharing model has already been adopted in 23 theatres across Telangana since early April, but producers have resisted its broader implementation, citing concerns about timing.
Exhibitors' Demands
What Is The Demand Of Telangana Exhibitors?
During an urgent meeting at the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Telangana exhibitors declared their intention to abandon the rental model and exclusively adopt a percentage-sharing approach. They are pushing for this change to commence with the release of Peddi.
Over 180 exhibitors have reiterated their demand for the percentage-sharing system to be implemented starting with Peddi and to apply to all future releases as well. With more than 450 theatres in Telangana, this issue has escalated into a significant crisis.
Exhibitors have assured that there will be no increase in ticket prices for Peddi in Telangana, although such increases may be permitted in Andhra Pradesh. They have also reached out to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding this matter.
A group of exhibitors and film industry representatives convened at Chiranjeevi's residence in Jubilee Hills for discussions. Notable attendees included producer Dil Raju, Telugu Film Chamber President Juvvadi Sekhar, and various other industry figures. The meeting reportedly lasted over an hour. Industry insiders estimate that implementing a sharing model for Peddi at this juncture could lead to a revenue impact of approximately Rs 17–18 crore for producers and distributors combined.
Details About Peddi
Peddi Release Date, Cast
Written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi features Ram Charan in the lead role, alongside Shiva Rajkumar, Janhvi Kapoor, Divyendu Sharma, and Jagapathi Babu. The film is produced by Vriddhi Cinemas in collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers.
The music for the film is composed by the renowned AR Rahman, and it has been produced on a budget of around Rs 300 crore. This Telugu-language rural sports action drama is set for a pan-India release.
Peddi will have its global premiere on June 3, 2026, followed by a worldwide theatrical release on June 4, 2026.