No Benefit Shows & No Hikes – Theatre Owners Are Happy

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, addressing the Assembly, made it clear that as long as he continues as the chief minister, there will be no benefit shows and ticket price hikes in the state. This decision, stemming from the tragic incident near Sandhya Theatre during the release of Pushpa 2, has received mixed reactions across the film industry.

On Monday afternoon, Telangana Film Chamber Exhibitors Association members convened to discuss the CM’s announcement and later shared their thoughts in a press meet.

Telangana Film Chamber President Vijayender Reddy praised the CM’s decision, calling it a much-needed relief for single-screen theaters struggling to sustain themselves. He thanked the Chief Minister and the Cinematography Minister for their support.

Telugu Exhibitors Association President Ramprasad expressed concerns about producers setting higher ticket rates based on the film’s budget. He noted that this practice burdens both audiences and Theatre owners. Ramprasad hoped that the decision in Telangana could influence similar policies in Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Exhibitors Association Secretary Balagovind highlighted the confusion among audiences regarding fluctuating ticket prices. He applauded the government’s decision, emphasizing how inflated ticket rates for big-budget films drain audience spending power, leaving smaller films struggling to find viewership.

One thing is very clear despite the producers aiming to mint big revenues at the box office, the theatre owners, and exhibitors who work on the ground have a contrasting opinion. They are happy to hear that CM Revanth Reddy will not permit ticket price hikes and call off all the benefit shows. In their opinion, no show should be played before 7AM in the morning, making it difficult for them to manage things. Especially, in the current times, people are entering theatres drunk and also doing drugs. They are also carrying fire-generating substances which could cause a potential threat to fellow movie goers.

Also, the exhibitors realised that the audiences are not stepping into theatres because of the new films being available on OTT in less than a month. They also see that hiked prices are only keeping a lot of movie goers away from theatres, which is a threat for the survival of the single screens. Hence, collectively. they welcomed the decision of Revanth Reddy and thanked him in this regard.

Now, we have to see what the producers and distributors will have to say about this. Only when all parties come forward with single agenda, the film business will flourish. However, TFDC Chairman Dil Raju will now have to solve this also amicably.