Ram Charan’s Peddi Gets Ticket Hike Approval in Andhra Pradesh
It does not seem to matter how much burden rising petrol prices place on the public. Nor does there appear to be much concern about the soaring prices of essential commodities. Recently, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to practice austerity, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reduced the size of their official convoys and even publicized the move. However, when it comes to increasing movie ticket prices during this period of economic strain, there appears to be no such restraint. The Andhra Pradesh government has once again approved a hike in ticket prices for Peddi, starring Ram Charan, just as it has done for several major film releases in the past. Under normal circumstances, such a decision may not attract much criticism. However, with escalating tensions in West Asia driving up fuel and commodity prices, people are already facing significant financial pressure.
Ironically, while the ruling Telugu Desam Party chose to conduct its annual Mahanadu convention in a hybrid format as a cost-saving measure, the same concern does not appear to have been applied when it comes to imposing additional costs on moviegoers. The government has not only permitted higher ticket prices for Peddi but has also issued orders fixing the price of premiere show tickets at ₹600. The decision has drawn considerable criticism. The government has allowed theatres to increase ticket prices for ten days following the film’s release. Single-screen theatres have been permitted to raise ticket rates by ₹100, while multiplexes can charge an additional ₹125 per ticket. After being postponed multiple times, Peddi is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 4, with premiere shows set to begin on the night of June 3.
Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film stars Janhvi Kapoor opposite Ram Charan. Another important issue surrounding Peddi relates to the long-standing dispute between exhibitors and the film industry over theatre revenue-sharing. Exhibitors had demanded that payments be made under a percentage-sharing model rather than the existing rental system, starting with the release of Peddi. However, veteran actor Chiranjeevi reportedly intervened and helped facilitate a transition to the percentage-sharing model after June 30.
According to industry sources, a committee formed under the Telugu Film Chamber will take a final decision on the matter. As a result, Peddi, which stars Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan, appears to have avoided potential complications arising from the dispute. Exhibitors have long argued that the rental model causes them substantial financial losses. They contend that while percentage-based revenue sharing is followed in most markets, theatres in Andhra Pradesh continue to operate under a rental system that places them at a disadvantage. They also claim that similar assurances were given in the past but were never implemented. Whether the industry finally shifts to the percentage-sharing model from the end of June remains to be seen.
