Marking Indian Cinema Day on September 16th, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) announced that the movie tickets across the major multiplex chains of the country will be sold for Rs 75 for the entire day. All the major multiplexes like Cinepolis, PVR, Inox, Carnival and others will have Rs 75 pet ticket pricing on National Cinema Day. Several multiplex chains like Mukta A2, Movie Time, Asian, M2K, Wave and Delite running in the states too will screen films for Rs 75 on September 16th. The first quarter of 2023 posted remarkable footfalls and numbers across the country after the nation recovered from the pandemic.
AP Government issued notices in Ticket Pricing Portal Case
The Andhra Pradesh government has been keen on a transparent ticket-selling system and the government issued a special GO through which the government would sell the ticket prices across all the theatres in the state. The guidelines are issued by the AP government and the theatre owners have been asked to sign the agreements for the same. Several cases are filed in the AP High Court in the recent week against the move of the AP government. Sandeep, the Deputy General Manager of Big Entertainment filed a petition in the AP High Court recently.
The High Court issued notices for AP State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation, AP Technology Services and the Secretaries of the Home Ministry, Legal Department. The court asked them to file a counter at the earliest. Several multiplex owners approached the court and the AP High Court said that the decision on interim order will be taken soon. All the cases are heard collectively and the AP High Court will issue the judgment soon. The next hearing will take place on June 27th.
YS Jagan signs the new GO of Ticket Pricing
The big news is finally here. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy signed the new revised GO of ticket pricing today and the new GO is expected to be out tomorrow. This would be a huge relief for all the summer biggies that are made on huge budgets. The distributors in AP suffered and tasted huge losses after the ticket prices are slashed down badly in AP. Movies like Akhanda and Pushpa witnessed a huge dent to the final collections because of the restrictions imposed.
After facing a lot of criticism and soon after the celebrities meeting YS Jagan, the AP government decided to revise the GO. Even the AP High Court asked the AP government to cancel the GO. A committee was formed and the report was submitted to the government. We can hear the big news in a day or two. Prabhas’ Radhe Shyam may be the first film to take the advantage in AP again.
Perni Nani about the new Ticket Pricing GO
The revised ticket pricing GO was expected to be out before the release of Pawan Kalyan’s Bheemla Nayak. The government of AP imposed restrictions on theatres and some of the theatres are shut because of the low ticket prices. AP Cinematography Minister Perni Nani responded about the GO saying that the revised GO got delayed due to the sudden demise of AP Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy. He said that the GO would have been issued on February 23rd but it is now pushed further.
Pawan Kalyan’s fans are quite furious about the restrictions of the government near the theatres today. The film received a blockbuster response and it opened to packed houses all over. There are talks that the new revised GO may be issued next week and all the summer biggies will take the advantage. Pawan Kalyan stood tight-lipped during the pre-release event of Bheemla Nayak and never uttered a word about the issue and crisis. The film fraternity feels that Pawan Kalyan is targeted and the issues will be resolved after the release of Bheemla Nayak.
Ticket Pricing Issue: AP Govt ‘Delay Tactics’ Continue
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has been furious against the GO 35 that is issued by the AP government to control the ticket prices in the state. The High Court asked the government to suspend the GO but the AP government has been strict on its stand. To delay this, a Committee has been formed and the government told the Court that the Affidavit will be filed based on the report that will be submitted by the Committee. The AP High Court postponed the next hearing to February 10th.
This makes it clear that the Sankranthi 2022 releases would not receive any relief about the flexible ticket pricing in the state. The AP government challenged the High Court’s decision in a Division Bench forming a Committee for the same. The Committee is expected to meet once again soon and they would submit the report to the government of Andhra Pradesh. This makes it clear that AP government is keen to delay the issue in the court. Tollywood will have to wait till the issue gets resolved in the court.
YS Jagan responds about Low Ticket Pricing Issue in AP
Andhra Pradesh government issued GO 35 and slashed down the ticket prices. The High Court ordered the cancelation of the GO but the government is quite strict on its stand. The distributors and producers lost big money because of this move. AP government is not much bothered and continued to implement the low ticket pricing. After being criticized for his move, YS Jagan responded for the first time on the issue. He said that the decision was made to benefit the poor and make entertainment affordable for them.
YS Jagan said that all those opposing the move are against the poor. Several theatres across AP are shut as the exhibitors are not in a mood to sell the ticket prices for low rates. The ticket pricing in AP also turned out to be a hurdle for several biggies that are aimed for release in the coming months.
Can Megastar resolve Ticket Pricing Issue in AP?
The government of Andhra Pradesh is strict on its stand and implemented GO 35. The High Court ordered the cancelation of the GO but the exhibitors of AP are forced to sell tickets for low prices. Else, the theatres are getting seized. Going against this move, the owners of 100 theatres across the state voluntarily closed their theatres predicting the huge losses. They conveyed the same to their distributors and this reached the filmmakers. There are talks that Megastar Chiranjeevi took the initiative to resolve the issue.
Several celebrities tried hard to convince the leaders so that GO 35 will be amended. Some of them even tried hard to meet AP Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy but failed. Now Chiranjeevi sought the appointment of YS Jagan. As per a close source, YS Jagan is not in a mood to meet any film celebrity for now. The entire Tollywood should stay united and mount pressure on AP government before things turn worse. Despite several efforts, YS Jagan did not grant an appointment for any celebrity who wanted to discuss about the ticket pricing GO. Hope, Megastar Chiranjeevi will resolve the issue at the earliest.
Ticket Pricing: Telangana govt Lauded and AP govt Trolled
The AP Government has been behaving with a deaf ear against the Telugu films industry which is already shattered with the coronavirus pandemic. The ticket pricing GO issued by the government heaped up the problems and several single screens are heading for a closure if the implementation of the GO continues. The AP High Court canceled the GO 35 that is issued by the AP government but the government is not bothered about the court’s order. The officials informed the theatre owners and exhibitors across AP to sell the tickets as per the prices mentioned in the GO. Else, they warned of seizing the theatres across AP.
This is clear that the AP government is not much bothered about Telugu cinema and their problems. On the other side, the government of Telangana are trying their best to support the film industry. Five shows with price hikes are granted for Allu Arjun’s upcoming movie Pushpa that is releasing tomorrow. The parking charges which are waved out in single screens are re-introduced in the theatres of Telangana. The government of Telangana waived off the electricity charges partially and it has been in constant touch with the film celebrities to discuss about the support that is needed. The situation is entirely different in Andhra Pradesh.
The efforts of Telangana government are lauded by everyone and the acts of AP government are badly criticized.
Ticket Pricing GO: AP Govt files a Lunch Motion Petition
The government of Andhra Pradesh received a huge shock after the AP High Court suspended the ticket pricing GO that was issued by the AP government. This turned out to be a relief for the upcoming Tollywood biggies. The government now filed a Lunch Motion petition before the Division Bench of the High Court today. The move makes it clear that YS Jagan and his government are strict enough on their stand to implement the low ticket prices and they are not bothered about the losses incurred by the Tollywood producers.
Tollywood filmmakers too are not much delighted after the High Court suspended the GO. Most of them are sure that YS Jagan would step out with a new move or GO. For now, there is a confusion about the ticket prices in AP for the upcoming biggies.
Jagan not to sit quietly on cinema ticket rates!
YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy is known for his stubborn attitude.
He never bothers to mend his ways despite several of his government’s decisions being struck down by High Court or Supreme Court.
Latest, the AP High Court has struck down GO 35 issued by Jagan government reducing ticket prices in cinema theatres on Tuesday.
Despite this, Jagan is not willing to give up on his decision.
He is reportedly planning to challenge the High Court’s order. He is planning to move a review petition in the High Court in a day or two.
Jagan reportedly held a meeting with few ministers and officials to review the High Court’s suspension orders on GO 35.
In the meeting, Jagan reportedly told officials that he will not sit quietly on this issue and will explore all the legal options to reduce ticket prices.
He said the AP government will move High Court again and if need be, it will also move Supreme Court but it will not give up on its decision to reduce ticket prices in cinema theatres.
AP Government receives a shock on Ticket Pricing Issue
The low ticking pricing GO in Andhra Pradesh turned out to be a barrier and the recent blockbuster films collected low revenues because of the limited prices. The Andhra Pradesh High Court suspended the Ticket Pricing GO issued by the government of AP. It is clear that the distributors and exhibitors can sell the tickets for regular prices but the new move by the government of AP is awaited.
The controversial GO 35 stands suspended. Several exhibitors approached the AP High Court challenging the decision of AP government. After the arguments, the High Court suspended the GO issued by the government of AP. For now, the move would be a relief for the upcoming Tollywood movies like Pushpa, Shyam Singha Roy, RRR and Radhe Shyam. More details about this are awaited.
Director K. Raghavendra Rao appeals to AP CM to reconsider Bill on ticket prices
Veteran Telugu director K. Raghavendra Rao has opened up on the issue of ticket rates in Andhra Pradesh. Expressing his displeasure regarding the Andhra Pradesh government’s stand on the issue, the director appealed to the AP Chief Minister to reconsider the Bill passed on the issue.
In a carefully worded letter, the senior filmmaker appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to reconsider the government’s stand on the reduction of ticket admission rates in the cinema halls.
“With the existing pandemic-related problems, the film industry sees only 10-20 per cent success ratio. Hundreds of families depend on that percentage of success. Distributors, traders, theatre owners, and many others survive on this little success,” Rao said.
About online movie ticketing, Rao wrote, “What if influenced people freeze the online tickets and sell in the black market? There are possibilities, right? So, I’m requesting the government to reconsider the decisions taken about online booking system.”
The popular director further suggested that the government should officially increase ticket rates, at least for the first week of any movie release, which would only help them generate more revenue from the taxes.
He urged the Andhra Pradesh government to do justice to the industry. Raghavendra Rao is among the very few celebrities who have openly criticised the state government on this issue.
Telangana High Court grants permission to hike Ticket Prices
Telangana High Court grants permission to hike Ticket Prices
The ticket pricing GO in Andhra Pradesh made the theatrical market reach rock bottom in the state. The situation is quite different in Telangana. The government asked the single screens to collect parking charges and also granted permission to screen the fifth show in the state when needed. The Telangana High Court today granted permission to hike the ticket prices by Rs 50 for big-budget films. The upcoming movies Akhanda, RRR, Pushpa and Radhe Shyam will utilize this ticket hike benefit.
This is a good move as the film industry is shattered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda will also have special premiere shows in Telangana while the screenings in Andhra Pradesh will commence only after 10 AM. For now, the big-budget films will have the advantage to hike the ticket prices in Telangana. Despite several celebrities urging the AP government number of times, they are strict on their stand and clarified that there would be no ticket price hike in the state.
Ticket price issue: OTT the only choice for Telugu producers
The Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to introduce reduced movie ticket prices has left the Telugu film industry in dire straits.
With the directive of the government, the distributors or producers cannot hike the tickets for their movies and have lost control over many other trade-related issues.
At this juncture, big-budget Telugu movies won’t make profits, as the movie ticket rates will be locked up by the state government in Andhra Pradesh. In fact, some movies might not even recover half of their investment even if the film is a huge hit.
With biggies like ‘RRR’, ‘Radhe Shyam’, and ‘Pushpa’ prepared for releases, the ticket pricing has led to a major upheaval among Tollywood film distributors. Even at this juncture, most of the production houses are silent.
A section of Tollywood and movie-goers are hurt by this silence by the bigwigs of the industry. “When unnecessary speeches, debates, and controversies get highlighted, why not raise questions on such serious issues? Where is MAA now?,” a Twitter user wrote, questioning why Tollywood producers and actors are mute on the ticket issue.
Left with few options, some producers think the only resort could be to opt for OTT digital release of their movies until the government relaxes the rules on ticket pricing.
Andhra Assembly passes Bill for online sale of movie tickets
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the AP Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill 2021, paving the way for an online movie ticketing system to be administered by the state government.
The government said the amendment would help the government regulate cinema ticket pricing and check exploitation of moviegoers.
Transport Minister Perni Venkataramaiah, who tabled the Bill on behalf of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, said that the government brought the amendment to regulate ticket pricing and stop the exploitation of middle-class people by some exhibitors. He cited the current scenario of irregular ticket pricing, number of screenings, unauthorised shows, and even large gaps between the taxes and film collections.
In order to regulate these, the government has decided to introduce a transparent online ticketing system, on the lines of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), and the Indian Railways online ticketing system, to keep a check on tax evasions, and enhance the movie theatre experience in the state, he said.
The proposed online ticketing system will enable the public to book tickets through mobile phones without queuing up at theatres or burning their pockets by buying tickets in black, he said.
The minister said that all stakeholders like producers, distributors, and exhibitors have welcomed the decision but a few political parties are still politicising the matter, although they were not related to the issue. He stated the online booking system will be maintained by the Film Development Corporation (FDC) with a dedicated payment gateway to stop the tax evasion and enable the Revenue Department to collect taxes on time, without any irregularities.
Later, presenting the AP Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Minister said that the amendment is part of the Centre’s recommendation of Green Tax to save the environment from carbon emissions. In the case of transport vehicles that are 7 to 10 years from the time of the registration green tax of Rs 4,000, which is half of the quarterly tax per annum and similarly if the age is 10 to 12 years, Rs 5,000 per annum and if the vehicle is more than 12 years, Rs 6,000 per annum will be levied.
Also, along with green tax, there is an increase of tax on new vehicles which is one per cent on the vehicles that cost below Rs 5 lakh and three per cent on those vehicles that cost between Rs 10-20 lakh, and on the luxury vehicles that cost more than Rs 20 lakh, a total of 18 per cent tax will be imposed.
AP cabinet to approve online movie tickets sale on Thu!
Despite severe criticism from various quarters on launching the sale of movie tickets online by the Andhra Pradesh government, the Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has decided to go ahead with his decision.
It may be recalled that the Jagan government has proposed to launch a web portal for booking movie tickets online on the lines of railway online ticketing system on September 21 this year.
However, this proposal received flak from various quarters who questioned where was the need for AP government to involve in movie ticket business.
But, the Jagan government claimed that it has the support of Tollywood industry for its proposal to launch online sale of tickets.
Against this backdrop, the AP cabinet will meet on Thursday (tomorrow) to approve the web portal for online movie ticket sale.
AP CM Jagan will introduce an ordinance to this effect which will be approved by the cabinet.
The ordinance is being brought to amend the AP Cinematography Act.
The ordinance will later be made the Act with the approval of AP Legislative Assembly. The Assembly is likely to meet in November for winter session.
AP Govt initiates plans for Movie Ticketing Portal
The Andhra Pradesh government has been keen to float a new movie ticketing portal that will be handled and run by the government. The representatives from the government met various film celebrities and collected the feedback from them about the movie ticketing portal. The government granted 100 percent occupancy in theatres recently and there are speculations that the government will revise the reduced ticket prices in theatres. But the ticket prices are never revised for now.
The government called up the theatres across AP and wanted them to provide further information about the ticket pricing during the holidays and the prices when the big-ticket films hit the screens. The government asked the exhibitors to submit the information at the earliest. The details of the theatres along with the seating capacity, the service provider and the occupancy in the recent years are requested. The AP government seems to introduce the ticketing portal at the earliest.
Online Ticket Pricing: Crucial decisions to be made by AP Govt
Several top distributors and exhibitors along with a bunch of producers met AP Film Development Corporation officials along with the Cinematography Minister Perni Nani to discuss the issues. Most of the discussions happened about the hike in the ticket prices and Perni Nani responded on a positive note. He said that he would discuss this with the Chief Minister after which the final call would be taken. All the distributors and exhibitors who attended the meeting had to vote for the ticket pricing portal that will be controlled by the AP government as the hike in the ticket pricing is the need of the hour.
They also discussed about 100 percent occupancy and special pricing for benefit shows during the meeting. They also discussed flexible ticket pricing as per the film’s budget and Perni Nani promised to place this request before YS Jagan soon. G Adhiseshagiri Rao, C Kalyan, Mythri Ravi, KL Damodar Prasad and others attended the meeting along with the AP exhibitors and distributors.
C Kalyan made some sensational comments that the filmmakers have been announcing fake collections to bring hype for their film among the audience. The videos of C Kalyan went viral all over. The meeting concluded after the celebrities placed the requests. They anonymously gave a positive nod for the government’s ticket portal which will be maintained by the AP Government.
AP Government to launch a Movie Ticketing Portal
The new ticket pricing GO for movie tickets came as a rude shock for the film fraternity. The ticket prices are slashed badly that most of the exhibitors decided to shut the screens till the prices are revised. There are talks that a group of Tollywood celebrities will meet AP Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to discuss about the issues but the meeting never happened. The government of Andhra Pradesh issued a Government Order announcing a movie ticketing portal that will be run by the state government.
The government after careful examination of the sale of tickets in cinemas decided to develop a portal for online ticket booking for movie tickets. The online ticket system will be managed by the AP State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation. A committee is formed to finalize and launch the online ticketing portal soon in the state. This would be a good move to keep transparency in the ticketing system and the prices. But before this, the prices have to be revised for the exhibition industry to survive.
Govt hikes Cinema ticket prices in Telangana
Telangana state agreed to increase cinema ticket rates. The state government issued a Government Order on Monday night, allowing hike in the ticket prices.The tariff changes were made in the backdrop of the implementation of GST from July 1.The GO MS No 75 issued by the home department, increasing the tickets rates comes as a follow up from the directives of the High Court. The GO fixed the prices for not only multiplexes but also single screen AC and non-AC theatres in GHMC limits, municipalities and panchayats.
Theatre owners are allowed to increase the price maximum up to 20 rupees while keeping the lower limit as 10 rupees. Additionally, the owners of the AC theatres are permitted to increase the rates ranging from minimum of Rs 2 to maximum of Rs 7 per ticket.The movie goer has to bear the renovation costs of the theatres, as the owners can charge from Rs 5 to Rs 7 per ticket.
At least 20 per cent seats in multiplexes should be allocated to the lower class. The rates of multiplex ticket are enhanced with the executive class now costing Rs 200 while the Gold class costs Rs 300. As per the GO, following is the increase in prices –
| Limits | Balcony ticket in Rupees | Lower Class ticket in Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| GHMC AC theatres | 120 | 40 |
| GHMC Non-Ac Theatres | 60 | 20 |
| Municipality AC theatres | 80 | 30 |
| Municipality Non-AC theatres | 60 | 20 |
| Nagar and Gram Panchayats– Ac theatres | 70 | 20 |
| Panchayats – Non-Ac theatres | 50 | 15 |
| Multiplexes | 300 Gold class | 200 Executive class |
