Pushpa 2, released last December, set many box-office records. The film also started the trend of paid premieres at high ticket prices (900-1000 Rs), which resulted in significant returns for the makers. However, unknowingly, Pushpa 2 has hurt and negatively impacted the industry with its approach.
Both Telugu State Governments have made a big mistake by officially approving huge ticket hikes for Pushpa 2. Because of this, the producers are selling the film to distributors by promising premieres with massively increased prices.
The governments are facing reputational damage for approving record ticket prices, and the industry is suffering significantly as a result, with many audience members finding cinema unaffordable and avoiding theaters.
Can the Telugu Film Industry escape the high ticket prices and premieres bubble?
Everyone is losing because of this: the government’s image, the distributors taking huge risks, and overall footfalls. Because of the huge success of Pushpa 2, a bubble has been created in the industry around this model, and we have to see when the industry will finally come out of it.
The governments are now being forced to approve ticket hikes, primarily to maintain relationships, despite being unhappy with the resulting negativity.
