Telangana Revises Cinema Ticket Rates, Mandates Affordable Access

Hyderabad: The state government has issued fresh orders revising cinema ticket pricing across the state, introducing new categories and mandating affordable access through a fixed share of non‑premium seats.

The home department reclassified cinema theatres and fixed revised minimum and maximum ticket rates for non‑AC, AC, special theatres and multiplexes. The order replaces earlier norms issued in December 2021. The revision follows representations from the Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (ATFPG) and several production houses seeking higher ticket caps for big‑budget films and a streamlined approval process.

Under the new structure, ticket prices vary based on theatre type and seating category, including regular and recliner formats. For instance, non‑AC theatres will have a price band starting from Rs 30 up to Rs 70, while AC theatres range from Rs 50 to Rs 150. Premium formats such as multiplex recliners can go up to Rs 300 per ticket.

The government has also defined special theatres as standalone single screens equipped with advanced features such as 7.1 surround sound, 2K/4K projection and large‑format screens, allowing them pricing on par with multiplex standards.

All theatres must reserve 25 per cent of total seating as non‑premium to ensure affordability irrespective of category. This quota will be calculated on the total seating capacity of each theatre.

The order clarifies that ticket prices are exclusive of GST but include maintenance charges of Rs 5 for AC theatres and Rs 3 for non‑AC theatres. Online booking service charges will be levied separately.

Air‑cooled theatres have been merged with AC theatres under a single pricing category. However, such theatres have been given a two‑year transition period to upgrade to full air‑conditioning, failing which they must charge as non‑AC theatres.

Cinema Ticket Pricing in Telangana

Category                                          Seat Type                    Price Range (Rs )

Single Screens – Non‑AC              Non‑Premium                 30 – 70

                                                           Premium                        50 – 100

Single Screens – AC                       Non‑Premium                 50 – 150

                                                           Premium                        100 – 200

Multiplexes                                     Regular                          100 – 250

                                                           Recliners                        200 – 300

Special Theatres                            Non‑Premium               100 – 250

                                                           Premium                         200 – 300

Note:

· All theatres must reserve 25% of seats as non‑premium to ensure affordability.

· Prices exclude GST but include maintenance charges (Rs 5 for AC, Rs 3 for non‑AC).

· Online booking service charges apply separately.