Telangana Exhibitors Letter to CM Revanth Reddy, Raise Concerns Over Ticket Pricing

The Telangana Exhibitors Association has submitted a representation to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging the state government to revoke, suspend or amend G.O. 77, dated August 14, 2026, on enhanced cinema ticket prices. The association said several provisions are ambiguous and could adversely affect theatre owners, particularly single-screen exhibitors.

Representing more than 400 theatres across Telangana, the association expressed disappointment that exhibitors and key industry bodies were not consulted before the G.O. was issued.

A major concern is the requirement for more than 390 air-cooled theatres to install full air-conditioning within two years. The association said the conversion could cost Rs 60-80 lakh per screen and substantially increase electricity bills. It warned that theatres failing to comply could be downgraded to the non-AC category, potentially affecting their viability.

The exhibitors also flagged overlapping ticket-price slabs, noting that non-premium AC tickets range from Rs 50 to Rs 150, while premium tickets range from Rs 100 to Rs 200. They said this could create confusion in implementation.

The association has also sought an increase in maintenance charges, citing rising operational costs, and requested better recognition for premium multiplex formats such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema.

The exhibitors urged the government to consult all major industry stakeholders on future decisions concerning ticket pricing and theatre classifications. They also proposed a committee comprising representatives of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, exhibitors' associations and film chambers.

The association has appealed for an urgent review of G.O. 77, warning that its provisions could put additional financial pressure on single-screen theatres across Telangana.