Ticket prices row: Theatre owners go on strike in East, West Godavari districts

On December 23, several theatres in West and East Godavari districts remained closed in protest against the government's decision.

According to Film Distributor KSS Prasad, around 30-40 theatres in Krishna District are likely to remain shut until the AP government withdraws its decision. With big releases lined up for January and February 2022, film distributors said they are unable to run their business under such circumstances.

Theatres, which have already been affected by the pandemic, are finding it difficult to meet their daily expenses and earn profits.

"Keeping apart politics and cinemas, AP government is insulting the audience saying that they cannot afford a movie ticket. Somewhere, I saw ticket rates are Rs 10, Rs 15, and Rs 20. It's not logical. Seems like, a Kirana store next to the theatre is making more money than a theatre owner," said actor Nani.

He was talking to reporters at an event held by filmmaker Shyam Singha Roy. Roy's film is set to be released on December 24. Nani hoped that the issue will be solved soon.

Municipal administration minister Botcha Satyanarayana, however, hit back at theater owners. "When every commodity is sold at MRP in the country, why should movies be an exception," he said.

He said movies are to entertain the common people and the government won't tolerate if tickets are sold at inflated prices. "Theater owners and exhibitors can talk to the government about their concerns and we will resolve them after due consideration," he added.