Date: December 24, 2024
Telangana’s No Benefit Shows & No Ticket Hikes
Telangana’s No Benefit Shows & No Ticket Hikes: Theatre Owners Applaud the Decision
In a significant move for the Telugu film industry, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently announced that there will be no benefit shows and no ticket price hikes in the state as long as he remains in office. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre during the release of Pushpa 2, which led to public outcry. The move has met with mixed reactions, especially from the film industry, but it has widely welcomed by theatre owners and exhibitors across Telangana.
Theatre Owners’ Positive Response to CM’s Decision
Following the Chief Minister’s announcement, the Telangana Film Chamber Exhibitors Association convened a meeting to discuss the implications of the policy. In a press meet, Telangana Film Chamber President Vijayender Reddy expressed his gratitude, stating that this decision has provided much-needed relief to single-screen theatres that have been struggling to stay afloat. He thanked both the Chief Minister and the Cinematography Minister for their support in this matter.
Concerns of Telugu Exhibitors Association
However, not all in the industry are fully supportive. Telugu Exhibitors Association President Ramprasad voiced concerns about the practice of producers setting higher ticket rates based on a film’s budget. He argued that this trend burdened both moviegoers and theatre owners. Ramprasad hopes that Telangana’s decision will prompt similar measures in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, leading to a more uniform pricing policy across the region.
Balagovind’s View on Fluctuating Ticket Prices
Telangana Exhibitors Association Secretary Balagovind also shared his thoughts on the matter. He pointed out the confusion caused among audiences due to fluctuating ticket prices. High ticket rates for big-budget films, according to him, not only drained the spending power of the audience but also made it difficult for smaller films to gain traction. He praised the CM’s decision for helping level the playing field, ensuring that audiences aren’t priced out of theatres by inflated ticket prices.
No Benefit Shows: The Impact on Single-Screen Theatres
One of the key reasons theatre owners are celebrating this decision is the effect of ticket price hikes on the survival of single-screen theatres. These establishments, which have been struggling in the face of competition from OTT platforms and high ticket rates, are seeing fewer moviegoers. The rapid availability of films on OTT platforms, often within a month of their theatrical release, has further exacerbated the situation.
Many theatre owners feel that the steep ticket prices were driving away audiences, which posed a serious threat to the sustainability of single-screen theatres. With this decision, they hope to see a boost in footfall, as more people can now afford to watch movies without worrying about inflated ticket prices.
The Controversial Side: Producers and Distributors’ Perspective
While theatre owners are celebrating this move, the producers and distributors, who are heavily invested in big-budget films, may have a different perspective. The decision to ban benefit shows and halt ticket hikes means that they may not be able to capitalize on the high revenues that these practices often generate. It remains to be seen how producers and distributors will respond to this policy and whether it will impact their box-office collections.
Dil Raju’s Role in Bridging the Gap of No Benefit Shows
With the film industry at a crossroads, all eyes are now on TFDC Chairman Dil Raju, who will play a pivotal role in resolving the tensions between the various stakeholders. Known for his ability to mediate between different parties in the film industry, Dil Raju’s leadership will crucial in ensuring that all voices heard and that the industry moves forward with a unified approach.
Conclusion: Will This Decision Help the Film Industry Thrive?
The decision to stop benefit shows and curb ticket price hikes is a step in the right direction for theatre owners, especially those running single-screen theatres. With the growing influence of OTT platforms and rising ticket prices, the film industry needed a policy shift to ensure its sustainability. However, the reaction from producers and distributors will be key in determining whether this move will truly help the industry thrive or lead to more challenges.
In the coming days, the focus will shift to how the industry leaders, particularly Dil Raju, handle the situation and bring all parties together for the greater good of Tollywood.