Hyderabad, April 8: Bookings for the upcoming Telugu film Peddi have been frozen across the United States by its distributor due to unpaid dues, creating uncertainty just weeks before the film’s release.
Priya Connections, the Atlanta-based distributor handling North American rights, announced the hold on Tuesday evening. Exhibitors received notices that no tickets would be sold until clearance of outstanding payments owed by the producers. The decision affects major chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark.
Peddi, a rural action drama starring Sree Vishnu and Surbhi, is scheduled for worldwide release on April 24. The film generated significant pre-sales buzz with its mass-appeal trailer featuring bullock cart races and faction-style clashes. US advance bookings had already crossed $150,000 in the first week.
Industry sources revealed Priya Connections is owed approximately $800,000 from previous ventures with the same production house. “We’ve waited long enough. No payment, no screenings,” stated a company spokesperson, emphasising contractual obligations.
Producer Harshith Reddy issued a statement promising resolution within 48 hours. “Technical delays occurred, but funds are arranged. We value our US partners immensely,” he assured fans and theatre owners.
Trade expert Ramesh Bala noted this isn’t isolated. “US distributors often face payment delays from Telugu producers chasing domestic collections first. Peddi’s US market share—typically 15-20% of total business—is now at risk.”
Social media erupted with fan frustration. “Paid for tickets already, now cancelled? Producers fix this mess,” tweeted a Dallas-based NRI. Telugu exhibitors contemplated legal action if resolved late.
The standoff threatens Peddi‘s opening weekend momentum, especially against competition from dubbed Hindi and Tamil releases. Successful US premieres often boost a film’s domestic run through positive word-of-mouth.
Priya Connections clarified they remain committed to Telugu cinema but cannot sustain losses. Negotiations continued late into Tuesday night.
This payment dispute highlights growing pains in the Telugu film industry’s US expansion, where high expectations meet financial realities—potentially costing Peddi crucial early earnings and fan goodwill.
