All you need to know about online movie ticket sales in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly recently passed the AP Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill 2021 paving the way for online sale of movie tickets.
By Bhavana Published on 26 Nov 2021 10:29 AM GMT
There's a lot going on in Andhra Pradesh and the film industry about the increase in film ticket prices and the number of shows for big-budget movies. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly recently passed the AP Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill 2021 paving the way for online sale of movie tickets. The amendment also restricted screening in theatres to four shows a day.
During a press meet on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh information and public relations minister Perni Venkatramaiah said the state has introduced a seamless online movie ticket booking system similar to the Indian Railways' online ticketing mechanism. He said this will help enhance the movie-theatre experience. Audiences can book tickets online or through SMS and this will help them avoid disappointment faced due to the non-availability of tickets and also the long wait in the queues.
Once the portal goes live, movie-goers can book tickets over the phone or via the Internet or SMS. "The Film Development Corporation (FDC) will maintain the online portal and the financial transactions will be settled the same day through an RBI gateway," the minister said.
Later, while talking to reporters, the minister said that this decision has been taken to protect the people from being exploited in the name of hero/film and the craze.
An all new section
For the new online ticketing system, a new section - Online Booking Platform - was inserted in the Act and placed after Section five. This section reads, "Notwithstanding anything continued in this Act and the rules, no licensee shall offer to sell or allow to be sold any tickets for admissions into cinematograph exhibition except through the online booking platform of the government company..."
Some new rules
It is being said that the prime objective of the new legislation is to protect people from being exploited taking advantage of their craze for a film or hero. The Film Development Corporation will maintain an online portal and financial transactions will be settled the same day. This legislation stops uncontrolled screening of films as well.
Online ticket sale
To finalize the software that will be used, the government is in talks with several stakeholders. Once things are in place, tickets for 1,100-odd cinema theatres will be sold online. The system will be along the lines of the Railway ticketing system.
