‘Premieres’ Fiasco – Time To End This Trend ?

Premiere shows play a very significant role in deciding the box office fate of big-ticket films. This is why planning them effectively is very essential. Even if the film gets negative talk, producers will have some benefit due to the hiked ticket prices which will generate solid openings. But, what Prabhas’ Raja Saab witnessed is a total mess. 

As the Telangana High Court left it to the state government about ticket hikes, the team planned premiere shows for The Raja Saab on the night of Thursday in anticipation of positive orders from the government. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen as per their plans. 

After much delay and considerable damage was already done, the government released a GO late in the midnight to allow ticket hikes. This has resulted in total chaos at theatres across Nizam territory due to lack of clarity on ticket prices and timing of premiere shows. 

What is more shocking is that the hikes given are very nominal and that too only after the special shows started. The government allowed a moderate hike Rs. 105 and Rs. 132 for single screens and multiplexes for the first three days and Rs. 89 and Rs. 62 for the next six days. 

While premiere shows across Andhra Pradesh started off well in time with enhanced prices, it was a total mess in Telangana as many shows were cancelled and also the tickets for premiere shows were sold at regular prices. This has resulted in a lot of frustration among fans who created ruckus at theatres. 

The decision to go with premieres has backfired due to the poor planning because the team had to wait for the release of GO to revise the ticket fares in Telangana and by the time shows started here, the talk from premieres in AP started spreading all over. Fans are furious with the way the team has failed to coordinate with the government to get the permissions in time. 

If this is the case even in future, it will be a serious dent to the opening day revenues of big-ticket films. Moreover, it will result in unnecessary havoc at theatres as it happened for The Raja Saab due to utter confusion on the shows. 

So, it is time for producers to rethink about the strategy to opt for premiere shows as any delay in implementing the plans will result in utter failure and further impact the theatrical prospects of films from the very first day.

Even hardcore movie lovers are arguing with the makers to avoid this premiere show trend if they are not able to get all the required permissions at least one day in advance for a smooth release. It is up to the big-ticket filmmakers to take a proper call now.