PNS|Vijayawada
Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has called for stronger regulation of cinema theatres across Andhra Pradesh to enhance audience experience and ensure fair business practices in the film industry.
Reviewing the current theatre scenario, Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to monitor sanitation, theatre conditions and, importantly, food and beverage pricing. Expressing concern over the inflated costs of basic items like bottled water and snacks, he directed departments to make pricing affordable for families and said this could boost footfall and state tax revenue. He also suggested involving the Revenue Department in studying pricing practices.
Addressing film ticket pricing, he made it clear that any hike proposals—irrespective of the movie—must come through the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, including for his own film Hari Hara Veera Mallu. He opposed individual producers bypassing industry bodies to seek ticket price hikes.
The Deputy CM raised concerns about monopolies in food and beverage concessions at theatres, especially multiplexes, and instructed Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh to probe any vendor dominance.
Taking serious note of recent theatre bandh calls, he called for an investigation against the people and motives behind them. Reports hinting at the involvement of a film producer, a political figure, and even a Jana Sena leader were discussed. Pawan Kalyan emphasised that any wrongdoing, regardless of political links, must face action.
He said the government would soon introduce a Comprehensive Film Development Policy and invited suggestions from industry stakeholders to support the growth of Telugu cinema.
