Cinema Ticket prices row in Andhra Pradesh
Where did it all begin?
The issue started when the Government of Andhra Pradesh on April 8, issued an order (G.O) no 35, fixing the rates for multiplexes, AC, and non-AC theatres.
What does the G.O tell?
The Government order 35, fixed slabs for tickets in cinema theatres in Municipal Corporations, Municipality, Nagar Panchayat and Gram Panchayat areas. It fixed the prices under economy, deluxe and premium classes for multiplexes, AC and Non-AC theatres. Other points related to parking space, lifts and staircases, drinking water and clean washroom facilities, fire safety in theatres is also mentioned in the G.O. The G.O also mentioned that the food items or products which are sold in theatres should not exceed the original MRP.
Ticket rates fixed by the Govt
For all the three categories Economy, Deluxe and Premium, govt has fixed the following prices.
In Municipal Corporation Areas,
Prices for multiplex are Rs.75, 150, 250.
Prices for AC are Rs. 40, 60, 100.
Prices for Non-AC are Rs. 20,40,60.
In Municipalities
Prices for multiplex are Rs.60, 100, 150.
Prices for AC are Rs. 30, 50, 70.
Prices for Non-AC are Rs. 15, 30, 50.
In Nagar Panchayat Areas
Prices for multiplex are Rs. 40, 80, 120.
Prices for AC are Rs. 15, 25, 35.
Prices for Non-AC are Rs. 10, 15, 25.
In Gram Panchayat Areas
Prices for multiplex are Rs. 30, 50, 80.
Prices for AC are Rs. 10, 15, 20.
Prices for Non-AC are Rs. 5, 10, 15.
Theatre owners response
The theatre owners expressed their displeasure over the govt move. Exhibitors said that the government should not fix the prices according to areas and classes. Owners of AC and Non-AC theatres told that they are providing all variety of services in their theatres and are no way less than multiplexes and told that the government should allow them to fix their own prices.
Film Industry opinion
Entire film industry opinion is not the same on this issue. Even though few actors and directors opposed the move, some of them accepted and welcomed the decision of govt. Film actors Nani, Siddarth have strongly condemned the govt policy. When few film people requested Chiranjeevi to respond as an elder brother for industry, he slowly moved from this issue stating that he doesn’t need such tagline. Nagarjuna told that this policy is not going to affect him in any way. Not a section of industry, but everyone should sit down with the CM and sort out the issue, said actor Mohan Babu.
Slab system in previous governments
NT Rama Rao as chief minister of United Andhra Pradesh in 1984 introduced slab system in collection of taxes on cinema tickets. Theatre owners had then had to pay tax on all seats including the empty ones. Before this rule, theatre owners paid tax only on tickets sold. Chandrababu Naidu also continued the same system. But in 2004, when Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy came into power, on request of theatre owners, film directors, and producers group headed by Dasari Narayana Rao, he removed the slab system.
High Court interference
Several theatre owners filed petitions in AP high court. The court directed the govt to set up a committee with all stakeholders and decide the prices of tickets. As there was no response from govt, the court suspended the G.O on Dec 14, 2021. The court order is only applicable for petitioners and G.O 35 is still in force, said home secretary of AP. The govt then cited the malpractices, illegalities in theatres and then raided and sealed some of them in several districts.
G.O Effect
Big budget film producers are highly affected by this system. As there is a lot of expenditure involved in film making, it is highly impossible for them to give the tickets at low prices and if ticket prices are high, small film makers are at loss because no one will watch their films selling huge prices. There is a huge gap between small filmmakers and big film makers. Even though this G.O benefits people, it may affect some section of industry.
What can be done?
The govt has already setup a committee of all stakeholders to decide on prices. The govt should keep in mind both filmmakers and the public before deciding the plan. If industry people discuss individually or with different groups, the issue won’t get solved. Industry should come together to tell their views and opinions on this issue. Whatever steps the govt take, it should ultimately benefit the public.
– Shamaik Sarilla
