Uniform framework for cinema ticket pricing in A.P. soon

The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to bring in a single, comprehensive Government Order (GO) to regulate cinema ticket prices across the State, putting an end to the practice of issuing separate orders for individual films, Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said on Wednesday.

Addressing the media after a review meeting of the Film Ticket Price Rationalisation Committee at the Secretariat, he said the proposed policy aims to strike a balance between protecting the interests of moviegoers and ensuring the financial sustainability of the film industry. He said ticket pricing would be streamlined under a uniform framework, replacing the current system that varies prices based on individual film budgets.

Durgesh said the government would consider the views of producers, distributors and exhibitors before finalising the policy. Discussions are under way on categorising films, including high-budget and low-budget productions, and fixing ticket prices accordingly. He said remuneration of artists and rising production costs, especially due to pan-India projects, were also being examined.

A high-level committee comprising officials from the finance, law and home departments, along with representatives from the Film Chamber and related corporations, reviewed pricing norms for multiplexes and single screens. It will submit recommendations to the government soon.

The Minister said the new G.O. would be issued after consultations with all stakeholders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting filmmakers and developing Andhra Pradesh as a major hub for film and television production, while also promoting tourism through cinema.