The latest ticket pricing GO issued by the Telangana government has created concern among both the film trade and regular moviegoers. The Revanth Reddy government has introduced a new classification system for theatres and revised ticket prices across different categories.
Under the new rules, single-screen theatres with facilities such as Dolby 7.1 or higher and 2K/4K projection can charge up to Rs. 300, including GST. This could have a major impact because a large number of single screens in Telangana reportedly qualify under the Special Theatre category.
The biggest concern is the possible impact on audiences. One of the main reasons people continue to prefer single screens is their relatively affordable ticket prices. They offer a cheaper alternative to premium multiplexes, especially for families and mass audiences.
If single-screen theatres start charging prices close to multiplex rates, it will force moviegoers to reduce the frequency of their theatre visits, particularly when a film does not have strong word of mouth.
Telugu cinema is seeing a good wave of hit films like Lenin, Peddi, Korean Kanakaraju, and DC, doing quite well with lesser rates. The change could also affect overall theatrical footfalls and, in turn, the business of distributors and exhibitors.
Fans are upset with these new rates and are trolling the government for its move. With the new GO bringing several changes, the coming months will show how exhibitors, distributors, and producers respond to the new ticket pricing structure.
