The release of the much-awaited Telugu action drama Pushpa 2: The Rule has sparked heated debates across the film industry. While the movie continues to dominate the box office, it has also faced backlash for alleged monopolization of screens in multiplexes, sidelining other films. The controversy resurfaced during a roundtable discussion hosted by Galata Plus, where actor Siddharth and film marketer Chandni Sasha shared their insights on the issue.

Siddharth Compares Theatres to Temples

During the discussion, Tollywood actor Siddharth expressed his concerns about the disproportionate allocation of screens to Pushpa 2. Using a metaphor, he likened audiences to devotees visiting a temple:
“Everyone goes to the temple to meet God, and in Telugu cinema, we consider our audience as our God. Some people stand in line to see God for five seconds, while others buy VIP tickets and get more time. But does that mean one prayer is more important than another?”

He continued, questioning the fairness of the current system:
“Just because I don’t have a VIP ticket doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be allowed to pray. Similarly, if only one film dominates all the theatres, does that mean it’s the best? The question is: Is the system fair? At the end of the day, money speaks.”

Marketing Power Behind Pushpa 2

Adding to Siddharth’s remarks, Chandni Sasha shed light on the marketing strategies behind the success of Pushpa 2. She revealed that the makers invested heavily in marketing to secure a near-total monopoly across screens in India.
“The distribution platforms they’ve tapped into ensure that every screen and every show is dedicated to Pushpa 2. But we need to ask ourselves, Is this truly a pan-India film?” Sasha remarked.

A Growing Concern for Filmmakers

The discussion has reignited debates about fairness in the film industry, with many questioning the influence of big-budget films over smaller productions. As Pushpa 2 continues its box office run, these questions about the system’s equity remain at the forefront of industry conversations.