Pricey Popcorns, Drinks: Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Calls For Theatre Reforms, Issues Order
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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said that families should not avoid theatres because of expensive refreshments
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday directed officials to regulate cinema ticket, food, and beverage prices across the state, citing concerns over monopolistic practices and unaffordable rates for moviegoers.
Raising objections to high prices of popcorn, soft drinks, and bottled water in theatres, Kalyan instructed authorities to monitor both pricing and quality standards. He further asked the authorities to initiate a probe wherever necessary.
'Families should not avoid theatres because of expensive refreshments," he said, adding that fair pricing could increase footfall and, in turn, boost tax revenues.
He said the government has taken note of monopolistic operations in both multiplexes and single-screen theatres, and a detailed probe has been ordered to identify and rectify irregularities.
Kalyan noted that ticket price hikes must be routed through the Telugu Film Chamber (TFC), not sought individually—even for his upcoming film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, slated for release on June 12.
'The government departments must perform their duties diligently, ensuring fair practices in pricing and operations," Kalyan said in a post on 'X', according to a briefing by Cinematography Minister K Durgesh.
Underscoring the need for clean drinking water and hygiene in cinemas, he called it a basic duty of theatre owners, to be enforced by municipal authorities.
Kalyan also demanded an impartial investigation into the closure of certain theatres, including any political interference—whether from the ruling party or his own Janasena Party.
He further stressed the need for stakeholder consultations, urging that inputs from Telugu film industry bodies be included in the state's upcoming film development policy.
First Published:
May 27, 2025, 19:17 IST
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