No To Extra Shows, Exorbitant Ticket Rates : AP Govt Cracks Down

In what could be a big blow to big-budget and star-studded movies, Andhra Pradesh state government has decided to not screen extra or benefit shows. The government made it very clear that it would strictly allow only 4 shows per day. AP Cinematography Minister Perni Nani has introduced an amendment to Cinematography Act, 1965 and got it passed.

As per the act, it is unlawful and illegal to screen additional shows at odd hours and cash-in on by charging exorbitant prices. Minister said that it is unacceptable and the government is serious about it. Speaking in the Assembly, Minister Nani said that some people want the law to be in their favour whereas others are perturbed by laws and confident that no such laws could stop them.

“In the name of benefit shows, Rs 500 to Rs 1000 is collected from some enthusiasts which goes unaccounted. The only way to put a stop to such illegal practices at cinema theatres is to bring an online movie ticket system. Movies should be screened as per the government decided timings and prices. Just like bus, train and flight tickets, movie tickets can also be booked online,” Minister Perni Nani said.

“Some film distributors, producers’ statements on their movie collections and GST payments are not at all matching. By introducing an online ticket booking system, the GST collections of the state come automatically. The online portal would be run by AP Film Development Corporation itself. The cinema halls would be paid through RBI gateway on a day-to-day basis. This is in the interest of the common man who gets better services,” explained the Cinematography Minister.

Perni Nani said why other political parties are interested in it. He said that objections must come from film producers, distributors. He hoped that the Telugu film industry would support this move of the AP government.