Telangana HC bars film screenings in wee hours

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court faulted the authorities for allowing the screening of films in the early hours in the name of benefit shows. It directed the government to ensure that such early morning shows would not be permitted, at least not until they consider public health and safety.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy also directed the home department to review its decision vide Memo No.109-P/General/A1/2025 dated 08.01.2025, enhancing the ticket rates for ‘Game Changer’, within 24 hours from receiving the court order.

The court wondered under which provision of law the government had allowed an increase in ticket prices for that specific movie.

The court expressed its displeasure in allowing early morning and late night screening of ‘Game Changer’ on Friday, even after the unfortunate incident at Sandhya theatre during a benefit show of ‘Pushpa 2’.

Justice Vijaysen Reddy said that the government had officially cancelled benefit shows and special shows.

The court was hearing a batch of writ petitions filed by Gorla Bharat Raj and two others, challenging the government's decision to permit special shows in the late hours, as well as the increase in ticket prices. The petitioners contended that the government lacked legal jurisdiction to issue such orders and questioned the special consideration extended to ‘Game Changer’ despite a government ban on such screenings. They said that the government had inadvertently permitted six shows on the movie’s release day.

In response, Justice Reddy directed the special chief secretary of the home department to review the permission for shows scheduled beyond 1 am. The court emphasised that such shows could potentially jeopardise public health and safety and should be reassessed thoroughly.

The court ordered an interim review of the increase of ticket prices for the film and directed that no further special shows or price hikes should be allowed until a decision is made in the public’s best interests.

The matter was adjourned to January 24. In the meanwhile, the court warned that future special movie shows will not be permitted unless they comply with all legal and safety regulations.

“You said you will not permit after ‘Pushpa’, what happened? Tomorrow they will want to screen for 24 hours, will you allow it? You have rejected permission for a benefit show and permitted (a screening) at 4 am, what is this,” the court asked.

“It is a benefit show, whatever name you give (it). People should sleep at 4 am, not go to the movies. They are taking kids to theatres at 1 o'clock at night. Next time when the matter comes, I will close all the movie theatres after 12,” Justice Vijaysen Reddy said. “If the government won't do it, I will do…”

“I am only concerned about the Constitution and the right to life…” the judge said. “Until 16 years (of age), no one should go to the movie theatres after 12. I will make that, and I will close all the pubs.”

“I am waiting for this. What is this, what sort of rules are these? Children are coming back at 2 am. Is 2 am for roaming on the roads?”

Justice Vijaysen Reddy said economic development did not mean working at night, it meant economic peace. “This is not New York, the city that never sleeps. They don't want to sleep… then what is the use? Why there should be life without sleep? If you don't sleep that means there is something wrong.”