Telangana Revises Cinema Ticket Rates, Mandates 25% Non-Premium Seats

The Telangana government's home department has reclassified cinema theatres across the state and issued revised minimum and maximum ticket rates for non-AC, AC, special theatres, and multiplexes. The new order replaces the earlier pricing norms issued in December 2021 and introduces a mandatory requirement for all theatres to reserve 25 per cent of their total seating capacity as non-premium seats to ensure public affordability.

The price revision follows representations submitted by the Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (ATFPG) and several film production houses. The industry bodies had sought higher ticket price caps for big-budget releases alongside a streamlined government approval mechanism.

Under the newly notified structure, ticket rates vary across theatre categories and seating formats. Non-AC single-screen theatres have a price band ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 70 for non-premium seats and Rs 50 to Rs 100 for premium seats. For air-conditioned single screens, non-premium tickets are fixed between Rs 50 and Rs 150, while premium seats range from Rs 100 to Rs 200.

Multiplexes have been permitted to charge between Rs 100 and Rs 250 for regular seating, while recliner seats are capped between Rs 200 and Rs 300. Standalone single-screen venues that feature advanced technological infrastructure—such as 7.1 surround sound, 2K or 4K projection, and large-format screens—have been categorised as special theatres. These special theatres are permitted to align their pricing with multiplex rates, charging Rs 100 to Rs 250 for non-premium seats and Rs 200 to Rs 300 for premium seats.

The order states that the 25 per cent non-premium quota must be calculated on the total seating capacity of each individual theatre, regardless of category.

All notified ticket rates exclude Goods and Services Tax (GST) but include theatre maintenance charges fixed at Rs 5 for AC theatres and Rs 3 for non-AC theatres. Service charges for online bookings will continue to be levied separately.

Additionally, air-cooled theatres have been merged into the AC theatre pricing category. The government has granted air-cooled establishments a two-year transition period to upgrade their infrastructure to full air-conditioning. Venues that fail to complete the required upgrades within this timeframe will be reclassified and mandated to charge rates applicable to non-AC theatres.