The Deputy CM also warned against the emerging trend of threats and coercion in the film business, where actors, producers, or directors are allegedly being pressured for personal gain

metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has made it clear that the management of cinema halls in the state must be streamlined and held accountable to ensure better services for moviegoers. In a strong message to the film industry, he outlined a series of key measures ranging from price control on food and beverages in theatres to mandatory routes for ticket price hikes and a probe into the recent theatre bandh.

Addressing officials and stakeholders, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that ticket price hikes—even for his own upcoming film Hari Hara Veera Mallu—must be routed strictly through the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, not through individual producers or private approaches. “Personal appeals will not be entertained. Government policy is the same for everyone,” he stated unequivocally.

He instructed the State Cinematography Department to coordinate regularly with stakeholders and ensure transparent communication with the government through official bodies like the Film Chamber. Minister for Cinematography Kandula Durgesh briefed the Deputy CM on the recent theatre bandh and the department’s response, following which Pawan Kalyan issued several pivotal directions.

A key point of concern raised by the Deputy CM was the exorbitant prices of snacks, soft drinks, and even bottled water inside cinema halls. “What is the point of keeping ticket prices affordable if a family has to pay a small fortune for popcorn and water?” he questioned.

He directed relevant departments to initiate regular inspections across multiplexes and single-screen theatres to monitor pricing, quality, and hygiene of food and beverages being sold. Allegations of monopolies controlling concessions in several theatres have also come to the government’s attention, prompting the Deputy CM to instruct the Cinematography Minister to initiate a probe.

“People should not hesitate to bring their families to theatres because of overpriced snacks. Fair pricing will boost footfall, and that in turn increases tax revenue,” he said, urging the Tax Department to also look into the matter. He further added that drinking water facilities and cleanliness in theatres are the bare minimum responsibilities of theatre owners and must be monitored by local bodies.

Reacting on the bandh, Pawan Kalyan said the government would investigate the motivations and individuals behind the bandh. “Even if someone from my own party is involved, action must not be delayed. No one is above accountability,” he declared.

The Deputy CM also warned against the emerging trend of threats and coercion in the film business, where actors, producers, or directors are allegedly being pressured for personal gain. He promised a healthy and encouraging environment for the film trade and asked the Film Chamber, Producers’ Council, Directors’ Association, and Movie Artists’ Association to stay informed of government actions.

In a broader vision for the industry, Pawan Kalyan revealed the state government’s intention to roll out a Comprehensive Film Development Policy aimed at nurturing Telugu cinema. He urged film industry bodies to provide meaningful suggestions for its formulation. “The government stands committed to building a transparent, ethical, and artist-friendly ecosystem. It’s time to clean up the mess and put systems in place,” he affirmed.