Allu Aravind: I am not part of “Aa Naluguru”

In the wake of the recent theatre strike controversy in the Telugu film industry, veteran producer Allu Aravind publicly distanced himself from the group referred to as Aa Naluguru—a term that has resurfaced amid rumors of a coordinated effort to disrupt Pawan Kalyan’s film release.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Allu Aravind denied any involvement in the ongoing strike or any actions targeting Kalyan.

“I lease fewer than 15 screens. Closing theatres before such a major release is unacceptable,” Aravind stated. “The industry must resolve internal issues through dialogue, not disruption.”

Disassociates from “Aa Naluguru”

Addressing media speculation, Aravind firmly rejected the notion that he is part of the so-called Aa Naluguru—a term originally coined nearly fifteen years ago, now referring to a larger group of individuals with significant theatre holdings.

“There has been a narrative in the media about Aa Naluguru. I have no connection with them. I am not one among those four,” he said. He further clarified that he had distanced himself from business operations involving these individuals during the COVID-19 period.

Theatre ownership details

Aravind emphasized that he no longer owns theatres in Telangana and has minimal involvement in Andhra Pradesh.

“I only have theatres under Asian Cinemas. We own Satyam Asian Cinemas at Ameerpet in Hyderabad. That is only theatre in Telangana we operate. In Andhra Pradesh as well, I gave up all theatre operations a long time ago. Out of the fifteen hundred theatres currently in Andhra Pradesh, only fifteen belong to us,” he explained.

He also added that even those fifteen theatres will not be renewed once their lease ends.

Aravind expressed concern over continued media association with Aa Naluguru, particularly the use of his photo in connection with the group.

“Out of old habit, they are still using my photo in relation to ‘those four.’ I am being criticized. I request my friends in the media not to associate me with them. I am not one of them, and I am not involved in business with them,” he reiterated.

Other Producers under scrutiny

Alongside Aravind, producers Dil Raju and Suresh Babu—both prominent figures in film distribution—were also speculated to be part of an alleged cartel. However, sources indicate that both have since reached out to Pawan Kalyan, reassuring their support and commitment to ensuring a smooth release of his upcoming film.