In the last one decade, overseas has emerged as one of the key areas for Telugu films. Stars like Mahesh, Pawan and NTR have managed to create huge market for their films here just like in the Telugu states. So, it naturally comes as a surprise to learn the overseas rights of these three stars’ upcoming films are still unsold.
No US buyer has yet inked the deal to acquire the rights of any of Pawan-Trivikram film, Mahesh’s Spyder and NTR’s Jai Lava Kusa. Too much asking price from makers is the primary reason for this situation whereas the change in ‘payout percentage’ from the US theatre chains is the secondary reason.
After AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas in last December, buyers are getting around 7 percent lesser share than what they used to get earlier. Hence, they have reduced the bidding prices, but makers haven’t slashed down the asking rates. Biggies breaching million dollar mark is no big deal these days and buyers of many big films are not tasting profits in reality since the costs involved have gone up. In comparison, content-based small films are providing better returns for them.
With two months still left for the release of Spyder and Jai Lava Kusa, buyers are optimistic that makers of these films come to terms with the reality.