Archive · 4 Sep 2026
AP Theatre Decline Raises Concerns Over Prices, Licensing And OTT
Cinema owners in Andhra Pradesh are worried because many theatres have closed.
The state once had more than 2,000 theatres, but about 1,200 screens are now operating.
Nearly 400 theatres reportedly shut during the last three to four years.
Owners say expensive electricity, wages, maintenance and licensing make theatres difficult to run.
They believe higher ticket prices could stop many families from going to the movies.
They want simpler licences and cheaper power for theatres.
They also want films to remain in theatres for eight weeks before appearing on OTT services.
The owners say affordable tickets helped films such as Irimudi and Samantha’s recent release attract audiences.
Andhra Pradesh reportedly has about 1,200 functioning screens, down from more than 2,000.
Exhibitors said nearly 400 theatres had shut down during the past three to four years.
The Forum warned that further ticket-price increases could drive away middle- and lower-middle-class audiences.
Exhibitors sought single-window licensing, industrial power tariffs and uniform ticket-pricing rules.
The Forum urged an eight-week theatrical window before films become available on OTT platforms.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Cine Exhibitors Forum and cinema exhibitors, with Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation chairman Bharat Bhushan present.
- What
- Exhibitors raised concerns about theatre closures, licensing, operating costs, ticket prices and early OTT releases, and submitted several demands.
- When
- The meeting took place on Friday; exhibitors referred to closures during the past three to four years.
- Where
- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- Exhibitors said rising costs, licensing difficulties, high ticket prices and early OTT availability were threatening theatre revenues and affordable entertainment.
- Functioning screens
- About 1,200 in Andhra Pradesh.
- Former theatre count
- More than 2,000 theatres previously operated in the state.
- Closures
- Nearly 400 theatres reportedly shut during the past three to four years.
- Licensing proposal
- A five-year uniform renewal system through a single-window mechanism.
- Power tariff request
- Industrial tariffs used for tourism and hotels should be extended to cinema theatres.
- OTT proposal
- New films should reach OTT platforms only after eight weeks of theatrical screening.
- Ticket-pricing concern
- Exhibitors said high prices were driving away middle-class and lower-middle-class audiences.