R Narayana Murthy Slams Pawan Kalyan’s “Hurtful” Comments on Theatre Strike

Veteran actor and filmmaker R Narayana Murthy strongly criticized Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s recent remarks, calling them “hurtful” and misleading. He addressed a press meet where he spoke about urgent issues facing the Telugu film industry, rising ticket prices, the decline of single-screen theatres, and the long-pending demand for a percentage-based revenue system. Murthy made it clear that the planned theatre bandh (strike) on June 1 had no link to Pawan Kalyan’s film Hari Hara Veera Mallu.

Theatre Bandh Has No Link to Pawan Kalyan’s Film

Murthy clarified that the June 1 cinema bandh aimed to protect small producers, not to promote any specific film. He said, “We must announce a bandh in advance. Linking it to Hari Hara Veera Mallu is completely wrong.” He condemned those who tried to turn the strike into a personal agenda and said such actions damaged the industry’s credibility. He expected better from someone in a key government role.

Percentage-Based Revenue System Can Save Small Producers

Murthy explained that small producers like him had demanded a percentage-sharing system for years. He said, “I protested in front of the Film Chamber and asked many presidents to take action. Still, nothing changed.” He urged the industry to adopt the system, where producers and theatre owners share profits fairly. Murthy warned people not to mix this serious issue with ongoing film promotions.

Single-Screen Theatres Are Dying as OTT Platforms Grow

Murthy raised alarm about the death of single-screen theatres, calling them temples of cinema. He said, “Corporate companies are turning them into wedding halls. If we delay action, they will disappear forever.” He warned that OTT platforms will dominate if the cinema experience becomes unaffordable and inconvenient for the average viewer.

Ticket Price Hikes Keep Fans Away from Theatres

He also slammed the rising cost of movie tickets. Murthy said, “Everyone should afford entertainment. Legendary films like Sholay, Mughal-e-Azam, and Lava Kusa had big budgets, but their tickets stayed cheap.” He added, “If a film is good, people will watch it—no matter the budget. But high prices are now pushing even loyal fans away.”

A Message to Pawan Kalyan and the Government

Although Murthy congratulated Pawan Kalyan on becoming Deputy CM, he urged him to act in the interest of the whole industry, not just individual films. “If he had called for talks without involving his movie, people would have respected him more,” Murthy said. He praised the Telangana government for launching the Gaddar Awards and requested Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu to restart the Nandi Awards to recognize cinema talent statewide.

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