Game Changer: Telangana walks back order, allowing ticket price hike for Ram Charan's movie from January 16. Here's why

Game Changer: The Telangana state government on January 11 (Saturday) walked back its orders permitting a hike in ticket prices for Telegu movie superstar Ram Charan's newest offering ‘Game Changer’, according to a PTI report.

This comes alongside compliance with the directions of the Telangana High Court, which ordered a stop to all early morning shows “until public interest, health and safety are duly considered”.

According to an official statement from the government on January 11, the orders withdrawing permission for hiked ticket rates for Ram Charan starrer Game Changer will come into effect from January 16.

Why Was Price Hike Allowed?

The makers of Game Changer requested the Telangana government to allow a hike in ticket prices for the movie and the state had obliged by issuing orders to that effect January 3, as per the report. Per these orders, the screening of six shows on January 10 (including extra show at 4 am) would be permitted to charge an additional amount of ₹150 for multiplex theatres and ₹100 for single theatres.

It also allowed screening five shows from January 11 to 19 (for nine days) with an additional amount of ₹100 for multiplex theatres and ₹50 for single theatres.

While allowing additional shows and hike in prices, the government had said advertisements on adverse impact of narcotics and drugs and cyber crime should be screened.

Why Was Ticket Price Hike for Game Changer Withdrawn?

However, the HC on January 10 passed interim orders to review the decision issued regarding ticket hikes of ₹150 for multiplexes and ₹100 for single screen theatres and revert to the regular rates, within 24 hours from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. It also ordered a stop on all early morning shows, the report added.

The move also came amid sharp criticism from the opposition BRS MLA T Harish Rao, who on January 10 criticised the Congress government for allowing ticket price hike.

Also, state Cinematography Minister K Venkata Reddy spoke against the move in the Legislative Assembly amid public safety concerns after the death of a woman and injury of a minor in a stampede, at the premiere of Allu Arjun starrer ‘Pushpa 2’ on December 4, 2024.

(With inputs from PTI)