War of Words: Nagavamsi Fires Back at Sunil Narang Over Single Screen Crisis

The Telugu film industry's ongoing feud between exhibitors and producers has taken a decidedly personal turn, with producer Nagavamsi delivering a scathing response to Asian Cinemas chief Sunil Narang's comments on single screen theaters.

The controversy erupted after Narang attributed the decline of single screens to their technological obsolescence, arguing that modern audiences expect Dolby Atmos sound systems and high-quality projection: amenities that require massive investments single screen operators simply cannot afford. His logic was straightforward: without basic modern facilities, how can these theaters attract today's moviegoers?

Nagavamsi wasn't having any of it. Without naming Narang directly, the producer launched into a blistering counterattack that cut straight to the heart of the matter. He found it rich that someone operating nearly 300 multiplex screens would suddenly express concern for single screen theaters' plight.

"It's laughable when the very person who's been setting up multiplexes everywhere, even in B and C centers, and pulling away single screen audiences is now talking about their problems," Nagavamsi shot back. His accusation was clear: multiplex chains are the real culprits behind single screens' demise.

The producer's frustration was palpable as he highlighted the stark disparity in treatment. While exhibitors lavishly upgrade their multiplexes, single screens are left to deteriorate into what he colorfully described as "dog kennels": smelly, neglected spaces that naturally repel audiences.

This isn't just industry drama: it's about the soul of Telugu cinema exhibition. Single screens have historically been the backbone of mass entertainment, offering affordable movie experiences to common audiences. Nagavamsi's charge is that exhibitors are deliberately killing this ecosystem for profit, prioritizing premium multiplexes over accessible entertainment.

The irony runs deep. As multiplex operators expand into tier-2 and tier-3 markets, traditionally single screen territory, they're simultaneously lamenting these theaters' technological shortcomings. It's a classic case of having your cake and eating it too.

This percentage sharing controversy brewing in the background only adds fuel to an already combustible situation, with exhibitors and producers locked in an increasingly bitter battle over the future of Telugu cinema distribution.