VIJAYAWADA: The state government’s decision to disallow screening of special premier shows with enhanced ticket rates is expected to revolutionise the Telugu film industry as it is likely to benefit movie-goers who can watch films at regular prices and also help reduce production costs in the long run.
The state government issued an order recently fixing rates of admission and other related issues in single theatres and multiplexes. It fixed the highest rate per seat at Rs 250 for premium class in a multiplex in municipal corporation area and a minimum of Rs five per seat in economy class in gram panchayat area.
Though the film industry welcomed the state government’s gesture on the issue, it wanted the government to look into other aspects to help the industry to sustain at a time when costs were escalating.
The industry is of the opinion that benefit shows of popular actors are being permitted to be screened with a limit on ticket price like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru during weekends and as only a very few actors enjoy such a privilege, the industry wants such a practice to be continued with reasonable limits. The industry also wants the state government to address other issues like piracy as it was causing huge revenue losses.
They opine that even if screening of films in theatres is regulated with regard to benefit shows and fixed rates of admission, regulation on alternate platforms like OTT should also be taken care of.
The industry admits the vicious circle where high production costs, including high remuneration to top actors, forces it to recover from the fans by charging them high and if there is a stipulation on admission rates, it will certainly reduce production costs as the filmmakers, actors and exhibitors will be aware of their limitations.
Telugu Film Chamber secretary K.L Damodar Prasad said, “Though we offer a guarded welcome to AP’s move to impose curbs on screening premier shows and charging the fans more, we appeal to it to be flexible in certain aspects and address several other issues also to make the film industry thrive.”
