As the highly anticipated Pushpa: The Rule movie nears its release, tickets are flying off the shelves, with prices skyrocketing in certain locations. Fans of Allu Arjun, the film's lead actor, are eagerly lining up to get their hands on tickets, and the demand is so high that some tickets are being sold for more than Rs 2400, making it one of the most expensive movie tickets in recent times.
The film, a sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2024, but special benefit shows are being arranged on December 4 at 9.30 pm and 1 am, allowing fans a chance to watch the film early. These early shows have seen a surge in ticket bookings, particularly for premium and higher-end seats, which are priced significantly higher than the standard rates.
Steep Prices but Fans Still Eager
The cost for a standard ticket is expected to vary depending on the cinema hall, with single-screen tickets priced around Rs 1121 and multiplex tickets at Rs 1239 for the benefit shows. However, certain high-demand areas and premium theaters have seen ticket prices soar even further, with some seats in the top sections being sold for over Rs 2400. The steep prices have raised eyebrows among moviegoers, but fans are still eagerly snapping up the tickets, showcasing the film's immense popularity.
While the premium ticket prices may seem steep, many fans believe the hype and excitement surrounding the film justify the cost. "This is a big-ticket movie, and it's rare to get a star-studded film like this in Telugu cinema. The excitement surrounding Allu Arjun's return as Pushpa Raj is immense, and for true fans, the price is worth it," said M.S. Raju, a film producer. He went on to mention that such films are treated like festivals for the film industry, with distributors, producers, and exhibitors cashing in on the frenzy.
Hyderabad Leads in Sales
The highest-selling city for Pushpa 2 tickets so far is Hyderabad. As the capital city of Telangana and a major hub for the Telugu film industry, Hyderabad has seen the most rapid ticket sales. With a large fan base and multiple theaters screening the film across the city, Hyderabad has recorded a significant surge in ticket bookings, especially for premium showtimes. Several theaters are already reporting sold-out shows for the first few days following the release, with fans eagerly anticipating the film's grand opening.
Flexible Pricing Strategy
In addition to the high prices for early shows, the ticket pricing strategy for the days following the release has also seen flexibility. From December 5 to 8, the cost per ticket is set at Rs 354 for single-screen theaters and Rs 531 for multiplexes. From December 9 to 16, the rates drop slightly to Rs 300 for single-screen theaters and Rs 472 for multiplexes. After December 17, the ticket prices are expected to further decrease, offering more affordable options for a broader audience.
This flexible pricing structure is designed to accommodate both die-hard fans who want to watch the film on release day and general audiences who are willing to wait for a few days. It provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the film at varying price points, making it accessible while still capitalizing on the film's early popularity.
A Blockbuster in the Making
With the Pushpa sequel expected to shatter box-office records, the combination of high ticket prices and strong fan demand is a reflection of the film's massive appeal. As the release date nears, movie theaters are bracing for a rush of eager fans, and Pushpa 2 is set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
