HYDERABAD: A day after the Telangana High Court suspended the memo allowing the producers of the Prabhas-starrer “The Raja Saab” to hike entry fees in theatres, a memo permitting exhibitors of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, starring Chiranjeevi, to raise ticket prices came to light.
The memo was issued by the government on January 8, paving the way for the film to hit the screens with hiked prices, with a premiere show on January 11 and the movie’s release on January 12.
Meanwhile, the High Court Registry declined to list a lunch motion petition challenging the hike in ticket prices for Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. Accordingly, the High Court will hear the petition on January 19.
Exhibitors can charge viewers in single-screen theatres Rs 50 extra and Rs 100 more in multiplexes.
According to the memo, the ticket price for the 8 pm premiere show on January 11 could be as high as Rs 600, including GST. The hike will be applicable from January 12 to 18.
Memo mandates 20% of hiked ticket prices be used for worker welfare
On Friday, hearing the petition against The Raja Saab, Justice NV Shravan Kumar had expressed displeasure and noted public assurances by ministers that no increase in ticket rates would be allowed.
“The minister publicly announced that movie ticket rates would not be increased and stated that clear instructions were given to officials. Despite this, the officers neither follow ministerial directions nor comply with court orders,” the judge had observed.
The memo that surfaced on Saturday clarified that the managements of all theatres screening the film at the enhanced rates are directed to contribute 20% of the incremental revenue earned from the movie to the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation Welfare Association account to support film industry workers.
A separate account will be opened for this purpose by the Film Development Corporation (FDC) and will be operated by the FDC in consultation with the Labour Commissioner.