Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is taking a firm stance on improving the cinema-going experience in the state. In a strong statement released to the public, he criticized the Telugu film industry’s associations for not engaging with the state government even a year after its formation. His concerns were voiced during a review meeting with Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh and officials, where he addressed several long-standing issues including theatre maintenance, food and beverage pricing, and the process for ticket pricing approvals.
Pawan Kalyan emphasized that theatres across Andhra Pradesh must adhere to basic hygiene and provide essential amenities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and a safe environment for families. He insisted that local municipal bodies will be held accountable if these standards are not maintained, as public experience directly impacts theatre attendance and, by extension, revenue generation.
One of the most pressing issues he addressed was the excessive pricing of food and beverages in theatres, particularly in multiplexes. He observed that in many instances, a tub of popcorn or a bottle of water costs more than the movie ticket itself. The Deputy CM called for the food pricing in cinema halls to be regularly monitored for both cost and quality. He suggested that reducing these prices could not only make movie-going more affordable but also bring in more families, thereby increasing footfalls and boosting the state’s tax revenue.
Pawan Kalyan made it clear that any producer requesting a ticket price hike, including those for his own film Harihara Veeramallu, must route their requests through the Telugu Film Chamber rather than making individual appeals. This move aims to ensure greater transparency and consistency in how ticket pricing is handled across the industry.
He also demanded an investigation into the recent reports suggesting that the temporary closure of some theatres was orchestrated by influential figures within the film industry. Allegations involving members of his own party, the Jana Sena, were not dismissed. Kalyan instructed Minister Durgesh to take appropriate action against any individual or group found guilty, regardless of their political affiliation or industry stature.
Furthermore, he urged industry bodies including the Film Chamber, Producers’ Council, Movie Artists Association, and Directors’ Association to actively work with the state to draft a Comprehensive Film Development Policy. This policy, he said, should prioritize equitable practices, improved working conditions, and an audience-first approach to filmmaking and distribution. As Pawan Kalyan pushes for reforms, his focus on improving cinema infrastructure and industry transparency marks a significant shift in government involvement, aiming to make Andhra Pradesh a model state for film exhibition standards.
