1 week ago
Toxic Ticket Hikes Approved in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The movie Toxic is scheduled to release on August 26.
The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have allowed theatres to charge extra money for tickets.
In Telangana, single-screen theatres can add ₹50, while multiplexes and special theatres can add ₹100.
These higher prices will apply for 10 days after the release.
In Andhra Pradesh, a special premiere will begin at 6 AM and cost ₹600, including tax.
Andhra Pradesh will also allow similar increases from August 26 to September 4.
The producers must give ₹1 crore to support Telugu film workers.
Some distributors and moviegoers say expensive tickets may stop people from going to theatres.
The governments and film team have proceeded with the approved pricing rules.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh approved temporary ticket-price increases for Yash-starrer Toxic, scheduled for August 26.
Telangana theatres may charge ₹50 more at single screens and ₹100 more at multiplexes and special theatres for 10 days.
In Andhra Pradesh, the 6 AM special premiere ticket is priced at ₹600, including GST.
Andhra Pradesh theatres may add ₹50 at single screens and ₹100 at multiplexes from August 26 to September 4.
The producers must contribute ₹1 crore to the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Welfare Committee, while critics warn higher prices could reduce theatre attendance.
- Who
- The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments, Toxic’s producers, theatre operators, film workers, distributors and moviegoers are involved.
- What
- The two states approved temporary ticket-price increases for Toxic; Andhra Pradesh also approved a ₹600 special premiere, and the producers must contribute ₹1 crore to a film-workers’ welfare committee.
- Where
- The approvals apply to theatres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The film is scheduled for August 26. Telangana’s increases apply for 10 days from release, while Andhra Pradesh’s apply from August 26 to September 4; the Andhra Pradesh premiere is scheduled for 6 AM.
- Why
- The governments granted permission for enhanced rates and required a welfare contribution; critics argue that higher prices could reduce theatrical footfalls.
Critics and Moviegoers
Governments and Film Team
Impact of higher prices
Critics and Moviegoers
A distributor and social-media users argue that premium pricing, especially for dubbed films, could discourage audiences, reduce footfalls and ultimately hurt theatrical business.
Governments and Film Team
The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments approved the temporary increases, while the film team received permission to apply them during the specified release period.
Ticket affordability
Critics and Moviegoers
The distributor says Telugu audiences have moved away from theatres because of expensive tickets and points to films that reportedly benefited from affordable pricing.
Governments and Film Team
The approved orders permit theatres to charge additional amounts and set special-premiere prices for Toxic, subject to official rules and monitoring.
Key facts
- Film
- Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash
- Director
- Geetu Mohandas
- Scheduled release
- August 26
- Telangana increase
- ₹50 at single screens; ₹100 at multiplexes and special theatres, including GST
- Andhra Pradesh special premiere
- 6 AM show priced at ₹600, including GST
- Andhra Pradesh hike period
- August 26 to September 4
- Welfare contribution
- ₹1 crore to the Telugu Film Industry Employees’ Welfare Committee account operated by the Film Development Corporation
Quotes
An unnamed distributor
A distributor commenting on ticket-price increases for dubbed films
“Yet again, Telugu audiences are being fleeced for dubbed movies. Telugu audiences may once again rethink visiting theatres. I urge the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to discontinue this practice, especially since theatres have been witnessing healthy crowds with nominal ticket rates in recent months.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Telugu audiences have already moved away from theatres because of expensive ticket prices, and these hikes could push them further away.”
deccanchronicle.com











