Telangana Revises Cinema Ticket Rate GO, New Prices Bring Fresh Hike

Telangana revises cinema ticket rate GO, bringing a new pricing structure for single screens, Special Theatres and multiplexes, while also introducing rules on daily shows and special ticket hikes for big budget films. The changes have sparked concern among moviegoers who fear that cinema could become more expensive, especially at upgraded single screens.

Under the new GO, non AC single screens can charge Rs. 30 to Rs. 70 for non premium seats and Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 for premium seats. AC theatres can charge Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 for non premium seats and Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 for premium seats. Multiplexes can charge Rs. 100 to Rs. 250 for regular seats and Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 for recliners. Special Theatres can charge Rs. 100 to Rs. 250 for non premium seats and Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 for premium seats. The new Special Theatre category covers standalone screens with facilities such as 7.1 or higher surround sound and 2K or 4K projection. IMAX and large format screens measuring 75 feet or more are also covered, along with theatres offering facilities comparable to multiplexes.

This could matter for popular Hyderabad single screens such as Sandhya 70MM at RTC X Roads, which is listed as a 4K Dolby Atmos theatre. Its current listings show multiple daily shows, while the new Special Theatre category could allow eligible premium seats to go up to Rs. 300. If a ticket currently priced around Rs. 150 were sold at the new Rs. 300 ceiling, the maximum would effectively be double, although the GO does not force theatres to charge Rs. 300.

For comparison, Prasads Multiplex already falls under the multiplex category. Its new ceiling is Rs. 250 for regular seats and Rs. 300 for recliners, so the change is less dramatic than it could be for upgraded single screens.

The GO also requires at least 25% of seats in every theatre to remain non premium, irrespective of category or location. This is intended to preserve an affordable option for audiences.

Another major provision allows up to five shows a day, between 8 AM and 1 AM. One show must be allotted to a small film, giving smaller productions a chance to secure screens alongside major releases.

Films with production budgets above Rs. 100 crore get a special provision for higher ticket prices during their first 10 days. Producers seeking such a hike must also make the prescribed Rs. 1 crore contribution towards the Cine Workers Welfare Fund.

Air cooled theatres have been placed under the AC category, but have two years to convert to full AC facilities. If they fail to upgrade, non-AC rates will apply. The listed rates exclude GST but include maintenance charges of Rs. 5 for AC and Rs. 3 for non AC theatres. Online booking charges are separate.

For audiences, the reaction is mixed. Supporters argue that upgraded theatres need higher prices to cover better sound, projection and facilities. But many moviegoers question whether single screens will lose their biggest advantage if their prices move closer to multiplex rates. Similar ticket hikes have previously triggered online criticism from audiences who felt cinema was becoming too expensive.