Telangana Film Chamber Urges State Government to Reconsider Cinema Ticket Hike

The Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) has urged the state government to reconsider its recently announced cinema ticket pricing structure and withdraw G.O. 77, expressing concern over its adverse impact on single-screen theatres across the state, including in Hyderabad.

Under the new government order, single-screen theatres equipped with Dolby 7.1 sound and 2K projection facilities are permitted to charge up to Rs. 300 per ticket under the “Special Theatre” category. The revised rates have triggered debate among moviegoers and industry stakeholders, who fear higher ticket prices will further diminish theatrical footfalls.

The TFCC has requested the state government to review the decision and hold consultations with apex film chambers and key stakeholders before implementing changes that affect the exhibition sector. The chamber highlighted the financial and infrastructure challenges faced by single-screen exhibitors.

A leading Telangana exhibitor, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the classification fails to reflect ground realities. The exhibitor pointed out that Hyderabad alone has around 150 air-cooled single-screen theatres, while only a few venues in the city possess full air-conditioning facilities.

Exhibitors noted that categorising theatres into premium and non-premium segments without considering existing infrastructure puts added pressure on operators who are already struggling with high maintenance costs and low returns. Upgrading an air-cooled single screen into an air-conditioned theatre would require around 150 tonnes of air-conditioning capacity and an investment of approximately Rs. 1 crore before theatres could leverage the revised pricing.

Vijayender Reddy, former president of the TFCC, said the chamber is urging the government to withdraw G.O. 77 because apex bodies were not consulted. Reddy emphasised that converting air-cooled facilities into air-conditioned theatres remains costly and unaffordable for many operators.

Reddy suggested the government establish a committee comprising representatives from the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, ministers, and officials to evaluate such decisions. He recalled that a similar nine-member committee—consisting of three members each from the two chambers and three government representatives—operated effectively during the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy regime.