The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the hiking of ticket prices for Telugu actor Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule and extra shows for the film in the state till December 17.
Earlier, the Telangana government had also hiked the ticket prices for the film. Allu Arjun thanked both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments for approving the hike. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on Thursday, December 5.
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a paid preview screening at 9:30 pm for all theatres on December 4, with each ticket priced at Rs 800 plus the goods and services tax (GST).
On the release date, the least expensive tickets would cost Rs 100 extra, which can go up to Rs 150 for premium seats in single screens. With respect to multiplexes, the amount will increase by up to Rs 200 from the existing rate, inclusive of GST. From December 6 to December 17, theatres can screen the film five times a day at the same rate.
In Telangana, a benefit show similar to the one in Andhra Pradesh will be screened on December 4 at 9:30 am with a hike in rate of Rs 800 plus GST. Two additional shows, one at 1 am and the other at 4 am would be allowed on the release date in all theatres.
From December 5 to 8, an extra amount of Rs 150 can be collected by single screen theatres; Rs 105 from December 9 to 16; and Rs 20 from December 17 to 23. The government has allowed multiplexes and IMAX theatres to charge an additional Rs 200 from December 5 to 8; Rs 150 from December 9 to 16; and Rs 50 from December 17 to 23.
Extending his gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Allu Arjun wrote, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for approving the ticket hike. This progressive decision demonstrates your steadfast commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Telugu film industry. A special note of thanks to the CM for his vision and unwavering encouragement to the industry. I also express my sincere thanks to Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for his invaluable support in empowering the film industry.”
He also extended thanks to the Telangana government. “A heartfelt thank you to the Government of Telangana for their support through the approval of ticket hikes and the new government order. Your thoughtful decision fosters the growth of Telugu cinema. A special thank you to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his unwavering support, which continues to strengthen the Telugu film industry. I also thank Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy for his invaluable support to the film industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Telangana High Court contending that the inflated ticket rates could burden the public financially. The petition also argued that early morning special shows would create inconvenience for the audience. The case has been posted to December 17.