The ongoing discussions around ticket price hikes in Andhra Pradesh have taken a new turn, with exhibitors now demanding a share of the additional revenue. A section of exhibitors in the state has approached Andhra Pradesh Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh with a key proposal that could reshape the revenue-sharing model in the state’s cinema industry.
Exhibitors Demand 20% Share from Hiked Prices
According to reports, Andhra Pradesh Exhibitors are seeking nearly 20% share from the increased ticket rates. The proposal, submitted to Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, aims to allocate a portion of the hiked ticket revenue to theatre owners to support the functioning and maintenance of cinema halls across the state.
Exhibitors have explained that this share is crucial to offset rising operational expenses that are putting heavy financial pressure on theatre owners statewide.
Rising Operational Costs Strain Theatre Owners
The request comes at a time when exhibitors are facing mounting operational challenges. Rising costs include electricity bills, AC maintenance charges, staff salaries, and general theatre upkeep expenses.
Reports suggest that multiplexes are bearing a particularly high financial burden. Monthly AC electricity bills alone are reaching around ₹15 lakh in some multiplexes across Andhra Pradesh, while several single-screen theatres are also struggling with increasing maintenance expenses.
The financial strain has made it difficult for theatre owners to maintain quality infrastructure and continue offering optimal cinematic experiences to audiences.
Request Forwarded to Chief Minister
Exhibitors have requested Minister Kandula Durgesh to discuss the matter with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and consider a favorable decision that would benefit theatre owners across the state.
The development has become a major talking point in the Telugu film industry. Exhibitors believe that better revenue sharing could help theatres survive the current financial pressures and ensure the long-term sustainability of cinema halls in Andhra Pradesh.
Industry observers suggest that the government’s response to this proposal could set an important precedent for theatre operations and ticket pricing policies in the state.
