There has been much speculation and delay surrounding the increase in ticket prices for the latest Telugu film Bhola Shankar, starring Chiranjeevi, in Andhra Pradesh (AP). If the film’s budget exceeds '100 crore, the AP government has been giving the film producers an increase in the ticket price in the initial weeks.
The producers of the Bhola Shankar have asked the AP government to give them permission for a hike in their film’s ticket prices. The government, however, has rejected the proposal. It had stated that ticket prices could be raised only if appropriate documents related to the film’s production costs were submitted. The government reportedly asked the filmmakers to submit additional documents (to be more thorough) proving that the film’s budget exceeded Rs 100 crore.
This is an odd scenario given that Chiranjeevi has been in the good books of the government of AP! But what brought about this circumstance? Chiru’s comments a few days ago referring to politicians in AP appear to be to blame for the situation. Therefore, it has been speculated that the government is upset with the actor’s remarks if his movie (Bholaa Shankar) doesn’t see a rise in the cost of admission in AP. This may affect the film’s revnue. By the time the story went to press at 6:00 pm the government of AP has not hiked the film’s ticket price.
What did Chiru say?
Chiranjeevi recently attended the 200-day celebration of his last film, Waltair Veerayya. At the event he said that it’s “unfortunate” that politicians are discussing “actors remuneration” in the parliament as if they don’t have any other work.
“I believe that films are a small part of society as a whole. Other topics to be discussed in the House (in the Parliament) include development, youth employment, road and infrastructure construction, special status, and so on. I appeal to all politicians not to bring politics into films,” Chiru said.
Soon after Chiru made these remarks, ministers from Andhra Pradesh attacked the actor. Some of them even questioned Chiru, asking him what he was doing as a Minister in 2014, when the state of Andhra Pradesh was divided.
Actors get lion's share
Chiru made the remarks after YSRCP Rajya Sabha member Vijay Sai Reddy mentioned “actors remuneration” in the Parliament recently. Vijay stated during the discussion of The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 that heroes receive the lion’s share (as remuneration) of the production cos while the workers in the film industry receive no benefits.
“My suggestion is that appropriate legislation be enacted to ensure that benefits are distributed to grassroots level workers while containing or providing equitable distribution of benefits for all workers,” Vijay said.
AP govt. defends
The Andhra Pradesh government defended its decision to refuse the ticket price increase for Bhola Shankar, which is set to release on Friday. The government said that the filmmakers haven’t submitted ‘11 documents’ that are necessary to review for giving the permission. It also demanded proof that 20% of the film was shot in Andhra Pradesh.
Furthermore, because the film has been in the works for three years, the filmmakers were asked to submit the IT-returns (including GST and bank statements) for the previous fiscal year. The government also stated that filmmakers should apply for permission at least one month in advance, rather than 10 days before the film’s release (August 1).
