Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Telangana Revises Cinema Ticket Rates, Requires Affordable Seating
Telangana has changed the rules for cinema ticket prices.
Different theatres can now charge different amounts depending on their facilities and seating.
Non-AC theatres have the lowest prices, while multiplex recliners can cost up to Rs 300.
Special theatres with advanced screens and sound systems can charge multiplex-like prices.
Every theatre must keep one-quarter of its seats in the cheaper, non-premium category.
GST and online booking fees are not included in the listed prices.
Maintenance charges are included in the ticket price.
Air-cooled theatres have two years to upgrade to full air-conditioning or they must use non-AC prices.
Telangana introduced revised cinema ticket categories and price limits statewide.
Non-AC tickets range from Rs 30 to Rs 100, while AC tickets range from Rs 50 to Rs 200.
Multiplex tickets can cost up to Rs 300 for recliners.
Every theatre must reserve 25% of its seats as non-premium seating.
Air-cooled theatres have two years to become fully air-conditioned or charge non-AC rates.
- Who
- The Telangana state government, cinema theatres, producers and audiences.
- What
- The government revised cinema ticket categories, price ranges and affordable-seat requirements.
- When
- The order was issued recently; the articles do not specify an exact date.
- Where
- Across Telangana.
- Why
- The revision followed requests from the Active Telugu Film Producers Guild and production houses for higher caps and a simpler approval process, while preserving affordable seating.
Affordability and Access
Industry Pricing Flexibility
Ticket affordability
Affordability and Access
The mandatory 25% non-premium seating quota is intended to ensure that affordable tickets remain available in every theatre.
Industry Pricing Flexibility
Producers and production houses sought higher ticket caps, particularly for big-budget films, and the revised structure provides higher limits for premium formats.
Theatre classification
Affordability and Access
Grouping air-cooled theatres with AC theatres could temporarily expose audiences to AC-category pricing, although the rules provide a transition period.
Industry Pricing Flexibility
Theatres with advanced sound, projection and large-format screens can qualify as special theatres and charge prices comparable to multiplexes.
Cost transparency
Affordability and Access
The listed prices include maintenance charges, helping define the base amount audiences will pay before taxes and booking fees.
Industry Pricing Flexibility
GST and online booking service charges are additional, so the final price may exceed the advertised ticket rate.
- Non-AC single screens
- Non-premium tickets: Rs 30-Rs 70; premium tickets: Rs 50-Rs 100.
- AC single screens
- Non-premium tickets: Rs 50-Rs 150; premium tickets: Rs 100-Rs 200.
- Multiplexes
- Regular seats: Rs 100-Rs 250; recliners: Rs 200-Rs 300.
- Special theatres
- Non-premium tickets: Rs 100-Rs 250; premium tickets: Rs 200-Rs 300.
- Affordable seating quota
- At least 25% of total seats must be non-premium.
- Additional charges
- Prices exclude GST; maintenance charges are Rs 5 for AC and Rs 3 for non-AC theatres, while online booking fees are separate.
- Air-cooled theatres
- They are classified with AC theatres but have two years to install full air-conditioning.