Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a new set of regulations concerning cinema ticket price revisions across the state, aiming to bring greater transparency and balance to the entertainment industry. The decision follows growing public debate over frequent movie ticket price hikes, particularly for big-budget Telugu films released during festival seasons and holiday weekends.
What’s the New Policy
Under the new guidelines, any increase in movie ticket prices will now require prior approval from the state government. The move is intended to prevent arbitrary price surges that have often burdened moviegoers and created disparities among theaters. The government will create a structured procedure for exhibitors and film producers to apply for temporary price revisions based on legitimate grounds, such as production costs, special releases, or limited-time premieres.
The Chief Minister emphasized that while the government supports the growth of the Telugu film industry – Tollywood, one of India’s largest film industries – it must also safeguard the interests of ordinary citizens who form the backbone of the sector’s audience base. He noted that the current system allows theater owners and distributors too much flexibility in fixing ticket rates, often leading to inconsistencies between cities, towns, and rural centers.
According to reports from the Telangana State Film Development Corporation (TSFDC), the new directive will categorize theaters by region, size, and facilities to determine standardized base prices. Any price changes will be allowed only after a thorough review by a committee comprising representatives from the film industry, municipal authorities, and consumer welfare departments. The committee’s recommendations will then be forwarded to the government for formal approval.
New Movie Ticket Price Hike Policy
Officials explained that the policy was devised after consultations with film producers, exhibitors, and public representatives. Concerns raised by cinema owners about rising operational costs, particularly electricity tariffs and maintenance expenses, were taken into consideration. However, the government reiterated that public accessibility should remain a core principle of movie pricing.
Telangana’s move mirrors similar practices adopted in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, which had earlier introduced a digital ticketing system to ensure transparency and curb black marketing. Industry analysts believe that the Telangana initiative will not only protect moviegoers from inflated ticket prices but also encourage fairness in revenue sharing among producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
The decision comes at a crucial time, as the state’s film industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Theatres are witnessing a surge in footfalls with major Telugu releases performing strongly at the box office. However, unregulated price hikes during blockbuster premieres have recently triggered public backlash and complaints on social media platforms. The government’s proactive intervention is seen as a step toward maintaining a healthy balance between commercial interests and audience satisfaction.
Movie Ticket rate hike will be allowed only if 20% of the profit is given to cine workers thru their fund- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
— Naveena (@TheNaveena) October 28, 2025
Promises to build a school in Krishna Nagar for Cine workers
Promises to deposit ₹10cr for welfare by fund for Cine workers pic.twitter.com/ocYSzLImrt
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has also directed officials to modernize the monitoring system for ticket sales using digital data. The government plans to develop an online dashboard where ticket prices and occupancy levels can be tracked in real time, minimizing manipulation and boosting transparency. Additionally, the CM emphasized that any violation of the new pricing guidelines will attract strict penalties, including license suspension for repeat offenders.
Film industry representatives have largely welcomed the move, acknowledging that a structured framework could lend credibility and stability to the sector. Prominent filmmakers and exhibitors have suggested that the initiative could even make Telangana a preferred destination for major film releases, given its rapidly growing urban audience and strong infrastructure.
The government intends to formally release a detailed notification outlining the new policy’s implementation procedures within the coming weeks. Once finalized, the new regulation will apply uniformly across all multiplexes and single-screen theaters in Telangana.
The Chief Minister reiterated that cinema is not only a source of entertainment but also a vital cultural and economic force in the state. By bringing transparency and fairness to ticket pricing, the government hopes to reinforce public trust while supporting sustainable growth in one of India’s most vibrant film markets.
Telangana’s new approach marks a notable shift in how state governments are engaging with the entertainment industry — balancing consumer protection with industry viability. As this reform takes effect, both audiences and exhibitors will be watching closely to see how the changes impact box office trends and the overall cinematic experience in the state.
