RK Goud, Deeksha Team Stage Mega Protest at Film Chamber Demanding Reduction of Digital Charges.
A massive protest was staged by RK Goud and the team of Deeksha at the Hyderabad Film Chamber, demanding a reduction in digital charges and an end to the hardships faced by small-budget films.
The team alleged that small films are struggling to secure theatrical releases and that the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) charged by digital content service providers such as Qube, UFO and PXD has become an unbearable financial burden. They appealed to both the government and industry leaders to intervene and protect the survival of small-budget cinema.
The protest was attended by Deeksha writer-director-producer and Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud, Producers’ Council Secretary Prasanna Kumar, producers Gururaj, Lion Sai Venkat, actor Kiran, actor Sheraz Mehdi, and several others.
Dr. Prathani Ramakrishna Goud Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramakrishna Goud said the protest was aimed at ending theatre monopolies and reducing VPF charges. He explained that when digital content providers first entered the market, films were screened free of cost, and later charges were introduced with the assurance that they would be discontinued after seven years. However, even after twelve years, the fees continue. “A small producer spends ₹5 to ₹10 lakh on VPF charges just to release a film. In neighbouring states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, these charges are only around ₹2,000–₹3,000, whereas in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, producers are forced to pay ₹10,000–₹15,000 per theatre per week. “Even if a film is removed after just two or three days, the week’s VPF is never refunded.” He further alleged that major industry players associated with digital content providers are making enormous profits while small producers are being exploited. “Our film Deeksha has completed business in all territories, but theatres are being denied in Nizam. This is not just our issue; many small films are facing the same problem. On one side there is monopoly over theatres, and on the other, exploitation through digital charges. “Multiplexes have increased ticket prices as well as food and beverage prices, discouraging audiences from visiting theatres. We demand immediate reduction of digital charges and equal access to theatres. Otherwise, this movement will intensify,” he warned.
Producer Gururaj Speaking at the protest, producer Gururaj said that the survival of small films in Tollywood has become increasingly difficult. He stated that if the previous generation had not encouraged newcomers after legends like NTR, ANR and Krishna, stars such as Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna and Balakrishna would never have emerged. Likewise, without encouraging today’s newcomers, the future generation of stars cannot be created. “There is no such thing as a small or big film—only a successful film becomes a big film. Deeksha is not getting theatres, and VPF charges have become unbearable. We will unite all small producers and continue this fight until these issues are resolved,” he said.
Hero Sheraz Mehdi Actor Sheraz Mehdi said that small films are the backbone of the film industry. “Today, small films face countless hurdles. Even at the censor stage, they are not receiving fair treatment. Digital service providers are earning crores through VPF charges. Whether a film costs ₹1,000 crore or ₹1 crore, every producer deserves equal treatment,” he said.
Producer JVR extended his support to the protest and said small producers have been suffering for years. “Our industry was built by visionaries like D. Ramanaidu and Dasari Narayana Rao, who always encouraged newcomers. We respect Suresh Babu as Ramanaidu’s son, but we strongly oppose any practices that harm the industry. This struggle will continue until justice is delivered to small producers,” he said.
Actor Kiran said he has spent nearly 25 years in the industry, beginning as a child artist. “Today I am playing the lead in Deeksha. Even if newcomers are not encouraged, at least don’t stop their films from releasing by denying theatres and imposing huge digital charges. We will continue this fight alongside Ramakrishna Goud,” he said.
Producers’ Council Secretary Prasanna Kumar said that Hollywood films in the United States do not pay digital charges, while in Mumbai such charges are minimal. “When the industry shifted from physical prints to digital projection, everyone believed costs would reduce. Instead, digital charges have become a massive burden. These fees should have reduced every year and become negligible by now, but producers are still paying ₹10,000–₹15,000 per theatre. “This movement is for the welfare of the entire industry. Good small films create employment, win awards and contribute meaningful content to society. The government and Film Chamber must act, and multiplexes should introduce affordable ticket categories similar to Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Producer Lion Sai Venkat said many small producers proudly release films in 200 theatres after paying lakhs in digital charges, only to have their films removed from 90 percent of those theatres within a day. “Despite removing the films, the digital charges are never refunded. Crores of rupees belonging to small producers are being lost this way. Small producers are fighting for survival. More such protests are necessary to save small cinema, and all producers must unite. We fully support Ramakrishna Goud’s movement,” he concluded.