Ticket Price Hike Sparks Moviegoers’ Outrage

Telugu cinema in Telangana is once again facing controversy over the hike in ticket prices for films Akhanda 2, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and Raaja Saab. Moviegoers and social activists have questioned both filmmakers and the government, arguing that the increased rates are excluding middle-class audiences and forcing lower-income fans to spend heavily to watch their favourite stars.

Producers and the government had earlier assured that 20 per cent of the additional income from ticket hikes would be deposited into the Movie Artistes Welfare Fund. Activists, however, are now using social media to demand accountability, asking whether the promised deposits have been made. So far, there has been no response.

Ram Mohan Rao, former chairman of the Telangana State Film Development Corporation, told this newspaper: “As far as my knowledge goes, no formal meeting took place to increase ticket prices, nor is there any written government order stating that 20 per cent of the increased income will be deposited for artistes’ welfare. Without such clarity, how can producers be expected to deposit the money?”

He added that of the nearly 200 films produced annually in the Telugu industry, only 20 to 25 break even, while the rest incur losses.

Veterans and theatre owners have long opposed such practices. Vijayender Reddy of the Theatre Owners Association said: “Earlier, special or benefit shows required permission from district collectors. Now the state government issues orders directly from the secretariat. The government should understand cinema is a poor man’s entertainment. These price hikes make it difficult for lower-income groups to watch films.”

Industry workers, spread across 24 crafts, are also struggling as reduced production has cut their earnings. Production executive Aravind Kalinathabotla commented: “It would be good if a portion of this money went to employees’ welfare. But no one dares speak against the big heads of the industry, fearing blacklisting.”

He further questioned the logic of hikes: “Even after paying extra, if a film fails, will producers return the money? Budgets overshoot because of poor planning. Why are stars’ remunerations so high? Why should the common audience be taxed for this?”

Cinema writer and journalist Sham Kumar Chekka added: “It is the government’s responsibility to safeguard the industry. For the benefit of a few producers, the government is making the whole cinema suffer. This practice should stop, and the promised 20 per cent for artistes’ welfare should be given immediately.”

On social media platform X, netizens tagged senior officials, including CV Anand IPS, thanking him for issuing government orders to raise ticket prices for Akhanda 2 and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. They demanded details of the bank account into which exhibitors and producers must deposit the incremental charges, noting that Akhanda 2 was released on 12 December 2025 and more than a month has passed without clarity.

Activists warned that if deposits are not made promptly, it will be difficult for departments to collect dues later.