Tollywood cinema ticket price debate intensifies as Dil Raju meets Telangana Chief Minister ahead of Sankranti releases
The debate over cinema ticket price increases in Telangana has gained fresh momentum just days before the Sankranti festival, one of the busiest seasons for Telugu films.
With a dozen major Telugu movies set to be released for Sankranti 2026, distributors and producers are pushing for higher ticket prices. Many of these films have big stars and high production costs, and makers argue that increased revenue from ticket sales helps them recover expenses.
However, not everyone agrees with this view. The state government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has taken a cautious stance after earlier controversy around ticket price hikes and public safety.
To discuss the matter, ‘Dil’ Raju, a leading film producer and Chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, met the Chief Minister in Hyderabad. The meeting was held to talk about ticket price demands from the film industry and the government’s concerns.
Dil Raju, known for his strong connections in the Telugu film world, reportedly asked the Chief Minister to consider allowing ticket prices to rise for the big Sankranti releases. Sources say that discussions were positive, and final decisions are expected soon.
In recent years, high cinema ticket prices have drawn widespread criticism. For large films, tickets for special first-day shows can cost several times more than normal rates. These hikes have angered many moviegoers, who say rising prices make cinema less affordable for ordinary families.
For instance, the team behind Prabhas’s new film The Raja Saab has applied for significantly higher ticket rates in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They have proposed prices exceeding ₹900 for premiere shows and several hundred rupees for regular screenings. These figures have surprised and upset many fans.
The issue goes beyond simple economics. Concerns about past events, such as crowd control and safety during premieres, have made the Telangana government more careful about how ticket pricing and show arrangements are managed.
Earlier incidents, including legal challenges to ticket price hikes for major films, have added to the sensitivity. In some cases, high court interventions led to government orders being reviewed.
While some in the film industry see higher prices as essential for profitability, others worry about the long-term impact on audiences. Single-screen theatres, in particular, have struggled with falling footfall and competition from larger multiplexes. They have called for fair pricing that can help them stay in business without scaring away viewers.
The Telangana government has also experimented with ideas such as linking ticket price increases to welfare funds for cinema workers. In such proposals, a portion of extra revenue from higher prices would go to benefit technicians, junior artists and other behind-the-scenes staff.
As Sankranti approaches, all eyes in the film fraternity and among audiences are on the outcome of these talks. A final decision on ticket prices, whether to allow hikes or to impose limits, is likely in the next few days. Whatever the result, it will have a direct effect on ticket costs and cinema attendance during one of the most important seasons for Telugu cinema.
