New Delhi, May 19 -- The Telugu film industry's future hangs in the balance as theatres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana edge closer to a potential shutdown starting June 1. If exhibitors and producers fail to find common ground, single-screen cinemas may go dark-putting summer blockbusters and the movie-going experience at risk.

According to a report by the Cinema Express, nearly 60 exhibitors met with prominent Telugu film producers, including Dil Raju and Suresh Babu, in Hyderabad recently, to address long-standing grievances about the current rental-based revenue system. The exhibitors are pushing for a shift to a percentage-based model, arguing it would offer a fairer share of box office earnings.

During the meeting in Hyderabad...