Toxic Ticket Hike Sparks Social Media Outrage
The distributor points to the ticket-price hikes approved for Coolie and War 2 in Andhra Pradesh last year.
The much-awaited Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has triggered a debate over ticket prices even before its release today, with the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments approving enhanced ticket rates for the film.
In Telangana, an additional ₹50 has been permitted on single-screen tickets and ₹100 in multiplexes and special theatres. Andhra Pradesh has approved a similar hike, along with a 6 AM special premiere priced at ₹600.
“Yet again, Telugu audiences are being fleeced for dubbed movies,” says a distributor. “Telugu audiences may once again rethink visiting theatres. I urge the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to discontinue this practice, especially since theatres have been witnessing healthy crowds with nominal ticket rates in recent months.”
The distributor points to the ticket-price hikes approved for Coolie and War 2 in Andhra Pradesh last year. On August 12, 2025, the state government approved special 5 AM shows and temporary ticket-price increases for both films.
For Coolie, distributed by Asian Multiplexes, tickets for the early shows were priced ₹75 higher in single screens and ₹100 higher in multiplexes. The revised rates were applicable not only to the 5 AM shows but also to all screenings from August 14 to 23.
For War 2, distributed by Sithara Entertainments, the 5 AM show was priced at ₹500, including GST. Regular screenings during the same period also carried the ₹75 hike for single screens and ₹100 for multiplexes. As a result, tickets for both films in Andhra Pradesh during the first 10 days were priced at ₹222 in single screens and ₹277 in multiplexes.
“Telugu audiences have already moved away from theatres because of expensive ticket prices, and these hikes could push them further away,” the distributor adds. He points to the strong business of films such as Maa Inti Bangaram, Lenin, Chennai Love Story and Irumudi, which he says benefited from affordable ticket pricing.
“Ticket hikes will affect footfalls, and nobody is talking about that concern,” he concludes.
The debate has also spilled onto social media, with several moviegoers questioning whether premium pricing for dubbed films could ultimately hurt theatrical footfalls rather than boost revenues.
