Ticket Price Hike Controversy
The Telangana High Court recently reprimanded the state government and DVV Entertainments for permitting a ticket price hike for Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated film They Call Him OG. The bench questioned the rationale behind charging audiences ₹800 per ticket, asking what tangible benefit such steeply priced shows provide to ordinary moviegoers.
The court observed that producers spending hundreds of crores on big films should not automatically translate into a higher financial burden on the public. The petition, filed by advocate Burl Mallesha, challenged the government’s order that allowed benefit shows and inflated ticket rates.
After hearing arguments, the court stayed the government’s order and adjourned the matter to 9 October. DVV Entertainments, meanwhile, claimed the stay was limited to 4 October, setting the stage for further legal contention.
Minister’s Reaction
Telangana’s Cinematography Minister, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, publicly responded to the controversy, stating he had not been informed of the order that permitted higher ticket prices. The minister emphasized that Telangana would not emulate Andhra Pradesh when it comes to allowing benefit shows and inflated ticket rates.
He welcomed the High Court’s intervention and announced a clear policy change: no film — big or small — will receive permission for ticket hikes or benefit shows going forward. According to the minister, cinema remains a primary source of entertainment for the middle class, and ticket prices must remain affordable for the general public.
He also referenced the earlier Pushpa 2 premiere controversy, which had previously led authorities to curtail special shows.
Impact on the Telugu Film Industry
The High Court’s stance and the government’s new directive have sent ripples through the Telugu film industry. For years, big-budget Telugu films relied on benefit shows and premium pricing to maximize opening-day revenues. The curtailment of such practices forces producers and distributors to reconsider release strategies, advance pricing models, and marketing plans.
Smaller filmmakers and regular moviegoers alike welcomed the move, saying it levels the playing field and protects the interests of everyday audiences. However, trade insiders point out that producers may now have to explore alternate revenue streams — overseas distribution, digital rights, and extended marketing tie-ins — to offset the loss of premium-show income.
OG Box Office: Day 1 Performance
Film: They Call Him OG
Release Date: 25 September 2025
Director: Sujeeth
Notable: Marks the Telugu debut of Emraan Hashmi
Estimated Day 1 Worldwide Collection (incl. presales): ₹90.25 crore
Despite the legal back-and-forth and public debate over ticket pricing, They Call Him OG drew massive crowds on opening day. Fans turned out in droves to watch Pawan Kalyan’s latest outing — underscoring the actor’s enduring box-office pull even amid controversy.
What This Means Going Forward
The dispute highlights a broader tension between commercial cinema’s increasing production costs and the need to keep cultural entertainment accessible. Courts and policymakers are now signaling that public interest can supersede industry practices that place a disproportionate burden on audiences.
For producers, the message is clear: creating a commercially successful film must be balanced with social responsibility toward pricing and accessibility. For the government and regulators, the episode presents an opportunity to formalize guidelines on special shows, dynamic pricing, and presale practices to protect consumers without stifling the industry’s growth.
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