Theatres Controversy: O Andala Rakshasi Director Sheraz Mehdi Sends Final Legal Notices

Legal Battle Intensifies

Actor-director Sheraz Mehdi, known for O Andala Rakshasi, has intensified his fight against what he describes as monopoly, nepotism and the lack of opportunities for small films in the Telugu film industry.

Mehdi said he has issued final legal notices to several prominent industry figures, film exhibitors and representatives of major cinema chains.

The notices were reportedly sent to producer Dil Raju, producer Suresh Babu, Film Chamber vice-presidents Naga Vamsi and Bharat Bhushan, secretary Ashok Kumar and treasurer Prasanna Kumar.

He also said final notices were sent to PVR INOX representatives Ajay Bijli and manager Mahesh, along with Asian Cinemas managing director Sunil Naraj and manager Prashanth.

Complaint Taken to Telangana CM

Mehdi said he has also brought the matter to the attention of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. According to him, details of his complaint and copies of the legal notices were submitted to the Chief Minister's Office.

He said he is waiting for a response and will consider further legal action if there is no response.

'Small Films Are Not Getting a Fair Chance'

Mehdi said his fight is not only about O Andala Rakshasi, but about the larger problems faced by small films.

“If 100 films are released, only two or three are selected and projected as hit films, big-budget films or successful films. What happens to the remaining 97 films?” he questioned.

According to Mehdi, theatrical screens, publicity and business opportunities are increasingly focused on a limited number of films, while smaller productions struggle to reach audiences.

He said many small producers, directors and actors are facing similar difficulties.

Calls for an Alternative System

Mehdi suggested that the industry should create a separate business model for small films.

He said every small film should have access to at least one small OTT platform and a satellite television channel. He also suggested structured sales opportunities and support systems similar to those available in some other film industries.

He believes the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce should take the lead in creating such alternatives so that small films are not completely dependent on the existing theatrical distribution system.

Final Notices to Film Chamber Representatives

Mehdi said he had earlier issued legal notices to several Film Chamber representatives but did not receive a response. He said final notices have now been issued to them.

He warned that if the matter goes to court and summons are issued, the concerned individuals will have to respond through the legal process.

Concerns Over Theatre Shows

Mehdi also raised specific concerns about the theatrical release of O Andala Rakshasi.

He alleged that the film received only two or three shows in Hyderabad through PVR INOX.

“What can a small film do with two or three shows? How can audiences decide whether the film is good when it is not given a proper opportunity?” he asked.

He said the issue should be viewed as a larger concern for small films rather than just a problem involving his movie.

Questions Over Silence

Mehdi said he has been speaking about the issue through press meets for nearly a year and questioned why the people against whom he has made allegations have not publicly responded.

He urged the concerned individuals to explain their position so that the public can hear both sides of the issue.

Mehdi also made strong allegations about the influence of money, position and power in the industry. However, he maintained that his fight is not motivated by personal revenge.

'Justice Should Be Done to My Film'

Mehdi said the ongoing situation has left him frustrated and that he had even considered quitting filmmaking.

“I have also become exhausted. At one point, I even decided that I should not make films anymore. But justice must be done to the film I made,” he said.

He added that he may step away from the industry after completing the promotional activities for O Andala Rakshasi, but said he would continue fighting for the film.

“You cannot kill a film like this. I have made a good film. That film should at least get an opportunity to reach the audience,” Mehdi said.

Appeal to the Media

Mehdi also appealed to the media to question the industry's major stakeholders about the problems faced by small films.

He urged journalists to look beyond his individual case and examine whether the existing system provides a fair opportunity to smaller productions.

Fight Goes Beyond One Film

Mehdi reiterated that his legal battle is not limited to O Andala Rakshasi. He said his larger goal is to create a more transparent system for small films, new directors, actors and producers.

He wants smaller films to have better access to theatres, OTT platforms, satellite rights and other business opportunities.

Mehdi said he will continue his legal and public fight until he believes his film receives a fair opportunity and a solution is found to the wider issues he has raised.

The allegations mentioned above are claims made by Sheraz Mehdi. The individuals and organisations named in his statements have not been presented as having accepted these allegations.