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When Transcendence released, it was panned for being too slow and cold. But over a decade later, the central argument of the film has aged incredibly well.

The real horror in the movie isn’t that the AI became evil or malicious; it's that it became perfectly logical, omnipresent, and stripped of human essence. Once Johnny Depp’s character is uploaded into the network, his original intent to "help humanity" mutates into absolute control. He starts controlling people like code.

That is exactly the subtle shift we are experiencing today. We are surrounded by tools promising one-click shortcuts and effortless efficiency. But in exchange, we are giving up nuance, critical thinking, and human depth. When logic is completely automated, human intelligence becomes passive.

The film wasn't warning us about killer robots; it was warning us about losing our humanity to the illusion of total digital convenience.

What’s your take on how this film has aged? Are we heading toward a future where we are the creators of the system, or just its data points?

Exhibitors Version:

Telangana single-screen exhibitors have decided not to increase ticket prices, even if the government permits hikes through a GO. They say rising ticket costs are reducing audience footfalls, especially among middle-class viewers, while theatres continue to struggle financially. Exhibitors demand a revenue-sharing model (60% for exhibitors and 40% producers in Week 1).

Exhibitors are demanding a shift from the current rental model to a percentage-sharing system, arguing that multiplexes and theatres in other states already follow it. They said the existing system heavily benefits producers and distributors during big releases, while single screens bear most of the financial risk.

Industry members like Shirish Reddy, Suniel Narang, and Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao warned that many single-screen theatres may shut down if the percentage system is not implemented. They also stressed that theatres are surviving despite mounting maintenance costs, debts, and declining theatrical runs due to changing audience habits and early OTT releases. While most production houses have reportedly agreed to the percentage-sharing model, while banners like Mythri Movie Makers and Sithara Entertainments are said to still prefer the rental system.

Distributors/Producers Version:

Telugu producers strongly responded to exhibitors's demands for a percentage-sharing system in theatres. While agreeing that exhibitors and single screens are struggling, they stressed that producers and distributors are also facing losses and warned against creating divisions within the industry.

Producers like Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar, Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sahu Garapati, and Sudhakar Cherukuri said they are open to reforms, including the percentage-sharing model, but argued that such changes cannot be implemented suddenly for films already deep into production. They said solutions should come through mutual discussions, not public pressure or ultimatums.

They also criticized the exhibitors’ “threatening tone,” especially suggestions that some films may not be screened despite government approvals and ticket hike permissions, saying public conflicts would only hurt Telugu cinema further amid declining footfalls.

Producers further argued that revenue sharing alone will not solve the issue, adding that many theatres need better maintenance, modernization, improved audience experience, and discussions around online ticket booking charges.

Naga Vamsi noted that around 25 films are already in advanced production stages with most budgets spent, making immediate implementation difficult, though producers are willing to discuss the system for future projects.

Overall, producers acknowledged exhibitors’ concerns and supported dialogue and reforms, but opposed sudden changes, pressure tactics, and one-sided decisions, emphasizing that the industry can survive only through cooperation between producers, distributors, and exhibitors....

Sources : CinemaExpress, Siasat, DeccanChronicle