Telangana HC clears way for Pushpa-2 release, refuses to intervene in movie ticket price hike

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court announced a judgment in favour of Allu Arjun’s most-awaited action sequel ‘Pushpa 2- The Rule’ which faced a legal issue over the hike in movie ticket prices.

An HC Single Bench of Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy refused to interfere with the decision of the Telangana government to increase ticket prices.

Further, the court said that the State government has the power to increase the price of the tickets for a movie and the court cannot interfere in the decision. It directed the State government to file counter affidavits as a response.

The court was hearing a writ petition filed by Satish Kamaal, a journalist based in Hyderabad, challenging the decision of the Telangana government to increase the ticket price for the Pushpa-2 movie, scheduled for release on December 5. He sought a stay on the memo dated November 29, through which the prices of the ticket were enhanced.

A special memo on ‘Super Budget Movies’

Siddharth, counsel for the respondent, Mythri Movie Makers, Hyderabad, represented by its director Yelamanchili Ravi Shankar, informed the court that the State government has issued separate memos, which have been passed to increase the rates for equitable charges for all movies which have crossed Rs 100 crores. These are considered as ‘Super Budget Movies’.

The special memo has been released by the State government and it’s only for a short period. Further, the counsel said that it is not compulsory for everyone to go and watch the movie.

Srinivas Reddy, counsel for the petitioner Satish Kamaal, contended that a price increase for a benefit show can be allowed as the money would go to charity. “But this move is nothing but an illegal act by the government through a GO. They are not disclosing where the funds are going,” the counsel for the petitioner said.

Responding to the petitioner’s counsel, Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy asked, nowadays when ‘there is no value for money and Rs 800 is nothing’, why should the court entertain this writ petition?

Premier show on December 4

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Allu Arjun is set to return as labourer-turned-sandalwood smuggler Pushpa Raj in the sequel to 2021’s Telugu blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise.

The ticket rate for premiere shows on December 4 evening went as high as Rs 1,200, and for regular shows, the ticket prices were set at Rs 531. An amount of Rs 354 per ticket was set for single screens showing Pushpa 2.

The premiere shows, scheduled for December 4 from 9.30 pm, will be screened across select theatres in the Telugu states.

The Telangana State government approved ticket price hikes up to Rs 800 for premier show at 9.30 pm on December 4, and the ticket prices can rise by Rs 200 for regular shows from December 5 to 8.

The government has allowed for special premiere shows to begin at 1 am on December 5.

AP gives nod to ticket hike

The Andhra Pradesh government has given its nod for an increase in ticket prices for Pushpa 2 for 13 days. This hike was approved following a request from Pushpa 2 makers, ensuring that premiere shows and screenings for the first 13 days will enjoy a special pricing structure.

In Andhra Pradesh, for the premiere show on December 4 at 9.30 pm, tickets were priced at Rs 800 (including GST) for both single screens and multiplexes. On December 5, tickets to screen (including GST) for the lower class, up to Rs 150 (Including GST) for the upper class and up to Rs 200 (including GST) for multiplexes.

To screen five shows from December 6 to 17, with an additional amount of Rs 100 (including GST) for the lower class and up to Rs 150 (including GST) for the upper class and up to Rs 200 (including GST) for multiplexes.

Allu Arjun thanks Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments

On Tuesday, Allu Arjun thanked both State governments for approving ticket hikes and issuing the GOs. He thanked AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan.

“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 Hon’ble @AndhraPradeshCM, Shri @ncbn garu, for his vision and unwavering encouragement to the industry, (sic)” wrote Allu Arjun on X.

He also thanked the Government of Telangana for their support through the approval of ticket hikes and the new GO.