Pawan Kalyan Takes Charge: Cleanliness, Ticketing, and Food Pricing Under Scrutiny

Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan is upset with the Telugu film industry’s functioning. In a public press note, he expressed his dissatisfaction over the film associations not meeting the government even after a year of its formation. On this note, Pawan is aggressively working on fixing the issues within the functioning of theatres and the inflated prices of food and beverages available in theatres.

In a review meeting with Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh and other officials, Pawan Kalyan passed some suggestions to improve the movie watching experience of the audiences, thus by improving the foot-falls at the theatres.

Pawan Kalyan stressed that cinema halls across the state must be maintained appropriately, focusing on cleanliness, basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation, and ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. Local bodies will be held responsible for ensuring these minimum standards are met.

Pawan Kalyan highlighted the unchecked pricing of food and beverages in cinema halls, particularly multiplexes, where snacks often cost more than the movie ticket itself. He called for regular monitoring of both pricing and quality by relevant departments. He suggested that lowering food and beverage prices could encourage more families to attend cinemas, thereby boosting footfall and increasing tax revenue.

Regarding ticket pricing, the Deputy CM made it explicitly clear that any producer seeking a hike in ticket rates—even for his film Harihara Veeramallu—must approach the government through the Telugu Film Chamber and not individually.

Pawan Kalyan demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged conspiracy of the theatre closure. He expressed concern over reports suggesting that the bandh was influenced by a few powerful individuals in the industry, including speculation involving members of the Jana Sena Party. He instructed the Cinematography Minister not to shy away from taking action against anyone involved, regardless of political affiliation.

Pawan Kalyan also urged the Film Industry Chamber, Producers’ Council, Movie Artists Association, and Directors’ Association to collaborate with the government to frame a Comprehensive Film Development Policy focusing on transparency, equitable business practices, and overall industry growth.