Sankranti movies and ticket pricing in Tollywood

New movies are an integral part of Sankranti celebrations. This year, movie makers packed more fun at the box office than the usual for the audience. As many as five new movies are scheduled to release during the 3-day festival.

Vijay’s Varasudu (January 11), Ajit’s Tegimpu (Jan 11), Balakrishna’s Veerasimha Reddy (Jan 12), Chiranjeevi’s Waltair Veerayya (January 13), Santosh Sobhan Kalyanam Kamaneeyam (January 14) have been lined up to entertain the audience.

As all the new releases are big star movies, the demand for movie theatres has increased. Fans had already begun lobbying with the managements of theatres to push their actor’s movie as priority.  They are in discussion with both the owners of single screen theatres and multiplexes. Some have even begun using political clout for the purpose.

According to sources, in some places, the fans are readying to even shell out advances to the theatre owners. With Tamil heroes Ajit and Vijay being the frontrunners in the Sankranti race, there is heavy chance for many theatres to get blocked for them. The remaining would be shared between Balakrishna’s Veerasimha Reddy and Chiranjeevi’s Waltair Veerayya. Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi would make the race at the box office more exciting.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that the price of movie tickets could be increased. Despite discussion on price rise, there had been no hike in the last few months. Generally, the ticket prices are jacked up during the first week of big star movie releases, apart from screening additional shows.

This year, it has to be seen if the authorities would allow additional shows of Sankranti movies. It is learnt that the Tollywood biggies had already sent a representation regarding the same to the government authorities. Officials are likely to inform the chief ministers of both the Telugu states about it and then take a final decision.

Sources in the film industry said that the price of movie ticket at multiplexes which is at Rs 175 is likely to be increased by Rs 100. Similarly, single screen theatres would also hike the ticket prices basing on the taxes in the respective cities and towns.  In Andhra Pradesh, the price rise might not cross the Rs 50 per ticket mark.

Also, there is buzz that the price of tickets might not be increased for all new releases. It would be better if the upper limit of the price rise is decided basing on which the small and big budget movies could plan the hike.

However, there would be a lot of criticism only if a few films are allowed to increase the ticket price restricting the rest. The governments will have to be very cautious with their decisions.

The bookings for the Sankaranti movies have not opened yet. The list of movies and the theatres in which they would be screened is likely to be ready by this weekend.