The Telugu film industry is seeing a rise in premium ticket prices. Big-budget films like RRR, Kalki 2898 AD, and Devara are using higher rates to boost box office earnings.
However, Pushpa 2 is raising huge concerns. Reports suggest that premiere tickets in Telangana could reach Rs. 1200. Opening weekend prices across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could exceed Rs. 500. This sharp price hike is causing unrest among fans and moviegoers.
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In the past, when former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan reduced ticket prices to the lowest levels, the film industry struggled. This happened with Pushpa 1. There was a lot of public support for the industry then.
Now, the same industry is hiking ticket prices to unimaginable levels. This is drilling a hole in the audience’s pockets. Such high prices could drive people away from cinemas, leading to lower footfalls over time.
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While some price hikes for major films are expected, the trend of extremely high ticket rates could be harmful.
With OTT platforms gaining popularity and cinema attendance under pressure, inflated ticket prices could make movies less accessible. This is especially true for those on tight budgets.
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If fans are spending a large part of their entertainment budget on one expensive film like Pushpa 2, they might not afford other films.
Theatres, already struggling with disappointing releases, could be hit hardest. The long-term health of the film industry is at risk. Ticket pricing needs to be reevaluated to ensure that theatres and independent films can survive.
Finding a balance between affordable pricing and high-quality content is essential or else the industry will be responsible for the downfall of theatrical cinema in the long run just because they are now getting immediate benefits.