No hike in movie ticket prices in Telangana even if government orders: Exhibitor
Telangana single-screen theatre owners met in Hyderabad to discuss survival strategies amid rising ticket prices and outdated rental models. They resolved to keep ticket prices unchanged and push for a percentage-sharing system to sustain theatres long-term.
Telangana film exhibitors held a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday, addressing several long-pending issues concerning the survival of single-screen theatres. Among the major decisions taken was a collective stand against increasing ticket prices in Telangana single screens, even if the government issues GOs permitting hikes.
Producer and exhibitor Shirish Reddy assured audiences that current ticket prices in Telangana single screens would remain unchanged. “Even if producers bring a government order, ticket prices in Telangana single screens will not increase,” he said.
The meeting primarily focused on implementing a percentage-sharing system, under which exhibitors would receive a fixed share of box office collections instead of operating under the existing rental model, where theatres earn only a predetermined rent.
Exhibitors argued that the shift is essential to protect and sustain theatres in the long run. He also pointed out that while Telugu films already follow the percentage-sharing model in other states, theatres in the Telugu-speaking states continue to function under the rental system.
Further underlining the issue, he cited Allu Arjun’s Pushpa as an example, stating that despite the film becoming a massive success worldwide, exhibitors in Telugu states did not benefit proportionately because of the existing rental model.
Referring to recent big-ticket films, including Ram Charan’s Peddi, he clarified that exhibitors are not opposing any particular project. He urged stakeholders not to misunderstand the exhibitors’ stand, stressing that the issue is about survival rather than targeting any individual producer or film.
Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary Sridhar said exhibitors have been demanding the percentage model since 2008. He clarified that theatres would continue functioning but would prioritise films released under the percentage system. “If the percentage system is not implemented, we may have no option but to shut down single-screen theatres,” he warned.
Meanwhile, barring a few Sankranti releases like Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, the first half of 2026 has been largely dull for Telugu cinema, with several major films being pushed to the second half of the year, resulting in the crucial summer season going largely underutilised. In this backdrop, the exhibitors’ stand on ticket pricing and the percentage model could significantly impact upcoming releases.
Telangana film exhibitors held a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday, addressing several long-pending issues concerning the survival of single-screen theatres. Among the major decisions taken was a collective stand against increasing ticket prices in Telangana single screens, even if the government issues GOs permitting hikes.
Producer and exhibitor Shirish Reddy assured audiences that current ticket prices in Telangana single screens would remain unchanged. “Even if producers bring a government order, ticket prices in Telangana single screens will not increase,” he said.
The meeting primarily focused on implementing a percentage-sharing system, under which exhibitors would receive a fixed share of box office collections instead of operating under the existing rental model, where theatres earn only a predetermined rent.
Exhibitors argued that the shift is essential to protect and sustain theatres in the long run. He also pointed out that while Telugu films already follow the percentage-sharing model in other states, theatres in the Telugu-speaking states continue to function under the rental system.
Further underlining the issue, he cited Allu Arjun’s Pushpa as an example, stating that despite the film becoming a massive success worldwide, exhibitors in Telugu states did not benefit proportionately because of the existing rental model.
Referring to recent big-ticket films, including Ram Charan’s Peddi, he clarified that exhibitors are not opposing any particular project. He urged stakeholders not to misunderstand the exhibitors’ stand, stressing that the issue is about survival rather than targeting any individual producer or film.
Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary Sridhar said exhibitors have been demanding the percentage model since 2008. He clarified that theatres would continue functioning but would prioritise films released under the percentage system. “If the percentage system is not implemented, we may have no option but to shut down single-screen theatres,” he warned.
Meanwhile, barring a few Sankranti releases like Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, the first half of 2026 has been largely dull for Telugu cinema, with several major films being pushed to the second half of the year, resulting in the crucial summer season going largely underutilised. In this backdrop, the exhibitors’ stand on ticket pricing and the percentage model could significantly impact upcoming releases.
