100 days as MAA President
Vishnu Manchu talks on various issues including the recent controversy on movie ticket pricing with the Andhra Pradesh government
On 20th January, Vishnu Manchu will complete his first 100 days as President, MAA. While talking to us on various issues pertaining to Andhra Pradesh, he shares his opinion on the pricing of movie tickets, which has been one of the most talked-about topics in the industry.
For starters, he clearly supports the Chamber of Commerce as he believes they’re the only ones authorised to talk on the issue of pricing movie tickets issue in Andhra Pradesh. “I’d like to elaborate with an example; players in a cricket team won’t be the ones who do the talking — it would be the captain, manager or cricket body who talks about the issues the cricket fraternity may be facing. Now, if I apply the same rules to my film fraternity, I think the Chamber of Commerce is the only authorised entity to talk on the matter.”
Excerpts from the interview:
Q
Why has the ticket issue not resolved yet?
The AP Government has quoted a certain ticket price while the filmmakers and distributors want a different price; that’s where the issue lies. But I am sure they’ll find a solution.
Q
What about some ‘personalities’ who tried taking up this issue on a personal basis?
I won’t take any names but I believe 4 of those who went out to talk about this issue have definitely derailed certain efforts of producers. I’d like to believe that politicians and members of the film fraternity are mature and willing enough to solve this issue. Moreover, they all know that the main people concerned have not spoken, so it’s okay.
As the president of
MAA, if I say something not in line with what the filmmakers and the Chamber of Commerce are negotiating with the Government, I’ll be jeopardising the entire progress.
Likewise, I request any individual to refrain from expressing their opinion on a public forum; especially actors should refrain from doing so. As actors, we have very powerful voices, which can be misinterpreted. Therefore, let the authorised entity, which in this case is the Chamber of Commerce, speak on the matter. The rest should maintain a dignified silence. Most of the big stars are indeed maintaining silence and I hope that continues across the board.”
Because actors charge exorbitant fees, resulting in high production value, why should cinemagoers pay so much for tickets?
The challenge in the industry today is that there are only 6–7 actors who charge exorbitantly. But there are over 100 other films releasing too. Why not watch those films with the
same vigour and enthusiasm like you would the others that have such costly actors?
The answer to this is simple — because those 6–7 actors have a brand value; they’ve worked hard to get where they are. We know that in the film industry nobody has a permanent market. If an actor’s film doesn’t do well more than twice, no producer will touch that actor. So I believe it’s wrong to think an actor shouldn’t charge more. I mean, who are we to say their hard work shouldn’t be rewarded? In the last 2 years, everybody has suffered. Who’s going to compensate for
that?
Q
Do you at least agree that ticket prices
should remain constant and not vary, be it high-budget or low-budget films?
As the president of MAA, if I say something not in line with what the filmmakers and the Chamber of Commerce are negotiating with the Government, I’ll be jeopardising the entire progress. Likewise, I request any individual to refrain from expressing their opinion on a public forum; especially actors
In 2007, the former CM, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, had brought in a particular system on the request of the cinema owners. But that was cancelled in 2014, which is when all this mess began. We need to have a right balance between the cinemagoers and producers and it needs to be represented correctly.
“I’d like to elaborate with an example; players in a cricket team won’t be the ones who do the talking — it would be the captain, manager or cricket body who talks about the issues the cricket fraternity may be facing. Same rule applies in the film industry too”