Overseas collections form a considerable chunk in the total revenue for any film. In the last couple of years, Telugu cinema has spread its wings and collected solid numbers in overseas. It was a decent 2016 for Tollywood in overseas with good success ratio. Now, the first half of 2017 is going to be very crucial for trade circles. Huge money is at stake with big ticket films like Khaidi No 150, Baahubali, Mahesh Babu’s untitled film and few other films set for release in the first four months of 2017.
Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Khaidi No 150 was acquired for 10 Crores in overseas. The film is gearing up for a grand release this Sankranthi. Also, Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Gautamiputra Satakarni, which was bagged for 4 Crores , is in Sankranthi race. Dil Raju’s Shatamanam Bhavathi was sold for 2.5 Crores in a combo package.
The most awaited Indian cinema of 2017, Baahubali: The Conclusion was sold for a staggering 45 Crores in North America. Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film in Murugadoss’ direction is also getting whopping offers in overseas. A few other big ticket films are also getting ready for release in the first half of 2017. On the whole, nearly 100 Crores is at stake in overseas.
Now, the biggest concern for all the overseas distributors is the reduction in the percentage of revenue that will be offered after AMC – Carmike merger. Recently, the Chinese based AMC Entertainment holdings has acquired Carmike Cinemas in USA, making it the largest chain of theaters surpassing the Regal Cinemas. Previously, the percentage of revenue is 65-70 and the merger will bring it down to 50-55 percent. As per our sources, even Cinemark also sent emails to distributors that it is going to reduce payout to around 55%, dealing a death blow to overseas market. For the uninitiated, close to 45-50% of US Gross comes from Cinemark. All in all, these changes are going to reduce overall share in US market by at least 30%, if not more. So, it is clear that it will be a lot tougher for the buyers and distributors to see profits.
