Intro:
Telugu cinema is witnessing a remarkable revival in its theatrical runs this year. Once dominated by long runs of 100 to 175 days, the industry faced a steep decline with the rise of CD players, DVDs, piracy, and OTT platforms. However, 2024 has brought a new hope, with several films enjoying strong performances at the box office for weeks. Let’s explore this trend and the growing importance of long theatre runs for the survival of cinemas.
Full News:
In the past, Telugu films used to run for months in theatres, with 175-day runs being a common benchmark for success. However, the advent of CD players, DVD players, and later, OTT platforms, significantly reduced theatre runs. Films now only stay in theatres for a few weeks, and this trend worsened during the piracy boom. Yet, 2024 has sparked a revival in the industry, showing that audiences still appreciate the charm of a long theatrical run.
Revival of Long Theatrical Runs:
This year, several films have proven that the long-run theatre model still works. Films like Hanuman, Tillu Square, Kalki 2898 AD, and others have enjoyed impressive runs of four to six weeks in theatres. Notably, Hanuman kicked off the year in January with a successful run, even outperforming big releases like Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram.
Another significant film, Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, made waves when it released in June. The sci-fi film, set against the backdrop of Mahabharat and a post-apocalyptic world, ran for nearly 50 days in theatres. This film alone sold over 1.32 crore tickets on Book My Show, setting a record for the highest ticket sales of the year.
Tillu Square, a small film from Siddu Jonnalagadda’s Tillu franchise, also enjoyed a strong theatrical run. Released in March, it stayed in theatres for about a month, thanks to its positive word-of-mouth reviews.
Positive Reception for Smaller Films:
August marked a turning point for the industry, showing that even small, well-made films could thrive. Committee Kurrollu, produced by Niharika Konidela, and Aay, produced by GA2 Pictures, both started slowly but gained momentum through positive reviews. They managed to stay in theatres for about four weeks, proving that audiences were willing to support quality films.
Additionally, Devara: Part 1, starring Jr. NTR, released in late September and continued to perform well for nearly five weeks. Even during the Dussehra festival, it saw strong box-office numbers, showcasing the power of star-studded films when paired with positive reception.
Recent Successes:
Films like Lucky Baskhar and Amaran have also made a lasting impression this Diwali. Both films, featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Sivakarthikeyan respectively, are still doing well in theatres, maintaining their position in top ticket sales. These films highlight how positive word of mouth, combined with strong content, can keep audiences coming back for more.
Other films like Nani’s Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Simha Koduri’s Mathu Vadalara 2, and Kiran Abbavaram’s KA have also performed well, enjoying a run of two to three weeks in theatres.
What’s Next for Telugu Cinema?
Looking ahead, the much-anticipated Pushpa 2: The Rule is set to hit theatres in just a few days. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release, and the film is expected to have a massive opening, possibly leading to another extended theatrical run. Additionally, several exciting releases are scheduled for Christmas, with many expecting these films to follow the successful trend of longer runs in theatres.
The Importance of Long Theatre Runs:
For the survival of theatres and the exhibition sector, long theatrical runs are crucial. This year has certainly raised hopes for the revival of such runs, with films proving that audiences are still willing to go to theatres for the right content. If this trend continues, we may soon see films celebrating 100-day and 175-day milestones once again.
Conclusion:
2024 could be the year that ushers in a revival of long theatrical runs for Telugu films. With the success of recent releases, both big and small, the industry is optimistic. If the momentum continues, Telugu cinema might see the return of the iconic 100- and 175-day celebrations in theatres soon. Let’s hope this positive trend continues for the months to come.
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